Comparative Contents of mRNAs of Sex Steroid Receptors and Enzymes of Their Metabolism in Arterial Walls of Men

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T. A. Shchelkunova¹, I. A. Morozov², P. M. Rubtsov², L. M. Samokhodskaya³, R. A. Kireev⁴, I. V. Andrianova⁵, A. N. Orekhov⁴, and A. N. Smirnov^1*

¹Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; fax: (495) 939-4309; E-mail: smirnov__an@mail.ru

²Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia

³Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky pr. 31, Build. 5, 117192 Moscow, Russia

⁴Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, ul. Baltiiskaya 8, 125315 Moscow, Russia

⁵Institute of Experimental Cardiology, 3-ya Cherepkovskaya ul. 15A, 121552 Moscow, Russia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received September 5, 2007; Revision received September 27, 2007

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The potential role of estrogens in regulation of metabolism in arteries of men was studied. Contents of mRNAs of sex hormone receptors, of some enzymes of their metabolism, and of some potential markers of the hormone effects were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction in fragments of 18-54-year-old men's large arteries with and without atherosclerotic lesions. Contents of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and transferrin receptor mRNAs were significantly different in undamaged fragments of the aorta and of the carotid and coronary arteries. Contents of some mRNAs in the carotid artery and aorta were found to correlate, which suggested a similarly directed regulation of their expressions. The levels of ERalpha and aromatase mRNAs negatively correlated with the blood plasma concentration of estradiol. Levels of steroid sulfatase and aromatase mRNAs were lower and the level of estrogen sulfotransferase mRNA was higher in blood vessel fragments with atherosclerotic lesions than in undamaged fragments. It is suggested that large arteries should be different in sensitivity to estrogens and that atherosclerotic lesions could lead to local suppression of the effect of estrogen on the cells of arteries.

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KEY WORDS: sex hormone receptors, steroid sulfatase, aromatase, estrogen sulfotransferase, arteries, atherogenesis, polymerase chain reaction

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297908080105

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