Estradiol prevents homocysteine-induced endothelial injury in male rats.

Objective: We investigated whether estradiol may prevent accelerated atherosclerosis due to hyperhomocysteinemia by enhancing the antioxidant system.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated with placebo (P) or 1 mg (1E2) and 2 mg (2E2) 17 beta estradiol. Half of the animals (n=6) from each group received homocysteine (Hcy, 100 mg/kg/day) administered in the drinking water for 60 days (P/Hcy, 1E2/Hcy and 2E2/Hcy).