Vol. 27, Nš 1

Effects of estrogen deprivation and physical exercises on the arterial wall: a literature review

V.B. Mariotti; L.B.M. Maifrino; R.R. Souza

KEYWORDS: artery, morphology, physiology, estrogen, aerobic physical exercise

ABSTRACT: Over the past few decades, there has been a surge of interest in the study of the effect of estrogen on the female organism and the benefits of physical activities on different species of animals. The literature review provides a review of the existing literature on the morphological and/or physiological effects of the estrogen deprivation and/or the role of physical exercises on the arteries of different species of animals and humans. This review includes last decade publications found in the PubMed database. One of the most relevant findings concerning estrogen deprivation was the arterial complacency reduction due to the reduction of elastin, whereas physical exercises have been widely indicated for the treatment of several cardiovascular disorders and for the hardening of central arteries.