The importance of the (TAAAA)n alleles at the SHBG gene promoter for the severity of coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women.

Objective: Androgen may be detrimental in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women. We investigated possible associations between the (TAAAA)n polymorphism of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) gene promoter, which influences transcriptional efficiency of the SHBG gene and the severity of CAD in women.

Design: In this prospective clinical study, 146 postmenopausal women (46-88 y) undergoing coronary angiography were studied.

Severity of cardiovascular disease in women: relation with exposure to endogenous estrogen.

Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is more common in men than in women. Endogenous sex steroids may be the main factor responsible, as long-term estrogen action appears to be protective. The aim of the study was to investigate the predisposing factors responsible for the severity of CAD in women.