Steroid Sulfatase and Estrogen Sulfotransferase in the Atherosclerotic Human Aorta

摘要: Various epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relatively low incidence of cardiovascular events in premenopausal women and its marked increment after menopause. In addition, estrogens been postulated to exert direct anti-atherogenic effects via binding estrogen receptors vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, not all postmenopausal develop atherosclerosis despite decreased levels serum estrogen. Therefore, we believe it is important examine the status metabolism situ human system. Estrone sulfate (E1S) major circulating plasma that converted into biologically active estrogen, estrone (E1) by steroid sulfatase (STS). E1 also sulfated reverted E1S sulfotransferase (EST). These two enzymes recently shown play roles actions estrogen-dependent tissues various sex steroid-dependent tumors. STS EST, however, studied detail system associated with atherosclerotic changes. present study, evaluated relative abundance STS- EST-immunoreactive protein mRNA expression aorta using immunohistochemistry reverse transcription followed quantitative polymerase chain reaction addition enzyme activity. were found be significantly higher VSMCs obtained from female aortas mild changes than those severe male regardless EST these aortas, We factors regulating activity estrogen-metabolizing aorta. cytokines proposed function as regulators other tissues. interleukin (IL)-1β, known produced lesions, on cultured originally patient. IL-1β markedly inhibited activity, but stimulated reduced E2 production VSMCs. Results study seem suggest both may degree aorta, which related situ, such IL-1β, lesions.