Aim: 

Data supporting the role of GH estrogens in the prevention of the aging associated alterations of the cardiovascular system are be presented.

Material and Methods: 

Male and female Wistar rats of 22 months of age have been submitted to different treatments for 10 weeks. Male animals were treated with GH. Female rats were divided into intact and castrated groups. Intact animals were treated with GH whereas castrated were treated also with estrogens. All groups had its control. Two months old untreated males and females were also included. Results Aortic rings of old males showed an increase in the media width as compared with young. GH treatment was able to revert these increases. Thatwere more marked in the castrated female animals. GH treatment reduced the increase that was completely reverted when combined with estrogens. Vasodilatory response to acetilcholine is maximal in young rats and from the old animals, castrated females showed the minimal relaxation. GH treatment restores vasodilatory capacity in all groups and in castrated specially those treated jointly with GH and estrogens. The vasoconstrictory response to Angiotensin I is only evident in old rats, with maximal effect in the old castrated and nearly absent in young animals. Treatment with GH alone or combined with estrogens reduces significantly the vasoconstrictory response.

All these changes correlate strongly with increments in the inflammatory response of the heart as measured by the increase of IL1 and TNFa and the decrease of IL10 and endothelial NOS. Treatments were able to reduce the former and to increase the later.

Conclusions: 

All mentioned hormonal treatments are able to reduce the aging associated alterations in the cardiovascular system blocking the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Acknowledgement: 

This study has been possible by a grant of RETICEF RD06/0013and another of. SAF 2007 66878-C02-01