Effects of transdermal estrogen therapy on expressions of estrogen receptors and T-lymphocyte apoptosis in surgically menopausal women.

Studies have demonstrated estrogen replacement therapy can improve the life quality of surgically menopausal women. However, the mechanisms in this process remain poorly defined. Here we show the effect of transdermal estrogen therapy on expressions of estrogen receptors and T-lymphocyte apoptosis in surgically postmenopausal women. Fifteen surgically menopausal women, 15 naturally menopausal women and 15 young women were chosen in our studies. Peripheral vein blood was collected and serum E2 and FSH levels were assessed using ACCESS. T-lymphocyte apoptosis and the expressions of Fas, FasL and ER subtypes and were determined. The serum E2 levels of surgically menopausal woman were significantly higher, and the "Improved Kupperman Index" and the scores of "Menopause Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire" in surgically menopausal women were significantly low after ERT. The rates of T-lymphocyte apoptosis and FasL expression in surgically menopausal women were decreased after ERT, but the difference was not significant. The expressions of ERalpha and ERbeta in two menopausal groups were significantly lower than those of the young group. They were both significantly up-regulated after 3 months of ERT. Transdermal ERT could significantly upregulate the serum E2 level, could improve menopausal symptoms and life quality of surgically menopausal women and upregulate ERalpha and ERbeta expressions on T lymphocytes, especially ERbeta. Thus, the low dose of transdermal ERT may have a protective effect on menopausal women's immune function and aging.