Role of phytoestrogens in vascular calcification and bone-vascular interactions

SANDOVAL, MARISA J.; MASSHEIMER, VIRGINIA L.; CEPEDA, SABRINA B.

Actualizaciones en Osteología

ASOCIACION ARGENTINA DE OSTEOLOGIA Y METABOLISMO MINERAL

Lugar: ROSARIO; Año: 2020 vol. 16 p. 140 - 153

1669-8975

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases are prevalent pathologies in postmenopausal women. Vascular calcification is a cell mediated process that conducts to the loss of the natural architecture of the arterial vessels due to osteogenic transdifferentiation of smooth muscle cells, and matrix mineralization. Vascular physiology and osteogenesis (bone formation and remodeling) share a critical metabolic and functional complexity. Given emerging integrative nature of the bone-vascular axis, links between both systems have been a matter of ongoing interest. In view of the controversy stated about the risks/benefits of hormone replacement therapy to prevent diseases associated with menopause, phytoestrogens arise as a potential natural therapeutic alternative. In particular, isoflavones have a strong structural analogy with the human estrogen 17β-estradiol, that allows them to bind to the estrogen receptor and induce estrogenic actions in animal and human cells. Based in on our own experience and the information available in the literature, in this manuscript we provide an overview about the role of phytoestrogens on vascular and bone tissues, with focus on Genistein actions. Our goal is that the basic knowledge acquired can contribute to guide clinical decisions for the promotion of natural therapies for diseases that impairs the healthy life of the population.