Effect of estradiol on fibroblasts from postmenopausal idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients

Abstract

Fibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) is a characteristic finding in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Idiopathic CTS frequently occurs in postmenopausal women; therefore, female steroid hormones, especially estrogens, may be involved in its development. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the estradiol on the expression of genes and proteins related to fibrosis of SSCT fibroblasts from patients with idiopathic CTS. This study included 10 postmenopausal women (mean age 76 years). Fibroblasts derived from SSCT were treated with estradiol (10 -10 M), and the expression levels of TGF-β-responsive genes were evaluated. The relationships between the expression of untreated estrogen receptor α (ERα) and ERβ and changes in gene expression due to estradiol treatment were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effects of 10 M estradiol on collagen type I (Col1) and collagen type III (Col3) protein expression levels were also evaluated by fluorescent staining. The relationships between ERα/β and Col1/3 expression were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. The reduction in Col1A1 mRNA expression due to estradiol treatment was positively correlated with ERα expression (r = 0.903, p < 0.01). At the protein level, expression of Col1 and Col3 were down-regulated. These results indicated that ERα-mediated signaling may be involved in the regulation of Col1A1, and its regulatory effect may be dependent on the ERα expression level. The accurate evaluation of ERα expression level in the SSCT of individual patients with idiopathic CTS might guide the effective use of new estrogen replacement therapy.

Demographics of Common Compressive Neuropathies in the Upper Extremity

“…2-7 It has been suggested by other authors that the higher incidence in older women, who are most likely postmenopausal, is likely related to a decrease in estrogen levels during menopause and that estrogen could play a protective role in developing CTS. 8,9 We also found a low incidence of CTS among the Asian population. However, we believe that this is reflective of the demographics at our institution and would benefit from further investigation in a multi-institutional study.…”

“…[3][4][5] Postmenopausal women, in particular, have a higher risk of developing CTS. 8,9 Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, the second most common peripheral neuropathy, has an annual incidence of 30 cases per 100 000 person-years. 10 It generally occurs in men, 2,4,[10][11][12][13] those with diabetes, 4,14,15 smokers, 4,12,16 and those whose work activities require maintaining their elbows in flexed positions for prolonged periods of time, such as keyboard typing, talking on the telephone, or repetitive lifting of heavy objects.…”

Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteome Map Reveals Molecular Signatures of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

“…The dysregulated network constructed in this study revealed the potential interaction and/or regulation of ESR1 with many proteins associated with cell adhesion, ECM, and cholesterol metabolism. For example, Esr1 has also been shown to mediate the Col1a1 reduction signaling ( 66 ). Furthermore, estradiol regulates MMP2 and its inhibitor TIMP1 through ESR1, affecting ECM degradation ( 67 ).…”