Aging Negatively Affects Estrogens-Mediated Effects on Nitric Oxide Bioavailability by Shifting ERα/ERβ Balance in Female Mice
2011

Aging Reduces Estrogen's Benefits on Nitric Oxide Production in Female Mice

Sample size: 85 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Novensà Laura, Novella Susana, Medina Pascual, Segarra Gloria, Castillo Nadia, Heras Magda, Hermenegildo Carlos, Dantas Ana Paula

Primary Institution: Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain

Hypothesis

Aging negatively affects estrogen-mediated regulation of nitric oxide bioavailability in female aorta.

Conclusion

Aging diminishes the beneficial effects of estrogen on nitric oxide production, leading to increased oxidative stress in aged female mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • Estrogen treatment increased nitric oxide production in young mice but had no effect in aged mice.
  • Aging altered the expression ratio of estrogen receptors, affecting nitric oxide modulation.
  • Estrogen treatment decreased oxidative stress in young females but increased it in aged females.

Takeaway

As mice get older, the good effects of estrogen on blood vessel function decrease, which can lead to more problems with heart health.

Methodology

The study used senescence-accelerated mice to compare the effects of estrogen on nitric oxide production in young and aged females.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the interpretation of estrogen effects due to the specific age and health status of the mouse models used.

Limitations

The study was conducted on a specific mouse model, which may not fully represent human physiology.

Participant Demographics

Female senescence-accelerated mice, with young (SAMR) and aged (SAMP) groups.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025335

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