The principal investigator proposes to test the hypothesis that estrogens act as protective agents against endothelial damage through the production of the growth factor, heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF), which in turn stimulates the production of NO, the endothelium dependent relaxation factor. She will first determine whether the message levels for NO synthase III are increased after the treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with exogenous HB-EGF. A time course will be established for the stimulation of NOS III mRNA and NOS III protein. Next she will study whether estrogen treatment of the cells stimulates the production of both HB-EGF and NOS III mRNAs. If effects are found, then the effect of an estrogen antagonist will be studied to determine if estrogen is acting through its receptor. Using lyso PC as a model for 'oxidized lipid' the applicant will investigate whether chronic estrogen treatment will attenuate the stimulation of HB-EGF and NOS III by the oxidized lipids. The goal of the project is to determine if HB-EGF serves as as a diagnostic biomarker for dysfunctional endothelium, and if it plays a role in endothelium-dependent NO production by regulating expression of NOS III.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03HL060536-01
Application #
2658169
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZES1-CKS-B (01))
Project Start
1997-09-30
Project End
1998-12-31
Budget Start
1997-09-30
Budget End
1998-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Thomas Jefferson University
Department
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
061197161
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19107