Search / Trial NCT00001752

Vascular and Metabolic Effects of Hormone Therapy Combined With L-Arginine in Postmenopausal Women

Launched by NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI) · Dec 9, 2002

Trial Information

Current as of October 22, 2024

Completed

Keywords

Adhesion Molecules Endothelial Function Inflammation Lipoproteins Nitric Oxide Hormone Therapy Postmenopausal Women

Description

Estrogen therapy has been associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease events in observational studies of postmenopausal women. Although favorable effects of estrogen on lipoprotein cholesterol levels probably account for much of this benefit, direct vascular effects (vasomotor, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory) regulated by nitric oxide (NO) may also be of importance. We have recently shown that vasodilator effects of estrogen in the coronary circulation are due to enhanced bioactivity of NO released from the endothelium. Estrogen has been shown to stimulate synthesis and activity o...

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

  • All volunteer subjects will be assessed for study participation, including a cardiovascular physical examination and resting electrocardiogram. Fasting blood will be taken for SMAC, CBC, thyroid battery, lipid levels, estradiol and FSH levels under screening protocol 94-H-0045. A urine pregnancy test will be performed in women with a uterus and cessation of menses less than 6 months. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroidal drugs (oral, ointment, drops or inhalation) will be stopped 10 days prior to starting the study and discontinued throughout the study.
  • Thirty hypercholesterolemic (LDL greater than 130 mg/dL) postmenopausal women who have not taken estrogenic hormone, antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E), or lipid-lowering therapy in the preceding 2 months will be selected to take part in this double-blind, cross-over study.
  • No subjects with plasma estradiol level greater than 50 pg/ml and FSH less than 50 pg/ml.
  • No subjects with blood pressure greater than 160/100 mm/Hg (off medication).
  • No subjects smoking cigarettes within 6 months.
  • No pregnant subjects.
  • No subjects with a history of deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolus.
  • No subjects with important chronic medical conditions (cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, COPD, renal disease) other than hypothyroidism if the subject is euthyroid on thyroid replacement.
  • No subjects who refuse to follow nitrate-restricted diet for 3 days prior to each study.

About National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute (Nhlbi)

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is a leading component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dedicated to advancing research and clinical trials focused on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases. With a mission to improve public health through innovative research, the NHLBI supports a wide range of studies aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating heart and lung conditions. By collaborating with academic institutions, healthcare providers, and patient communities, the NHLBI strives to translate scientific discoveries into effective clinical practices, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by these critical health issues.

Locations

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

People applied

Timeline

First submit

Trial launched

Trial updated

Estimated completion

Not reported

Discussion 0