Serum Estrogen Metabolites and Systolic Blood Pressure Among Middle-Aged and Older Women and Men

BACKGROUND Hypertension is more common among men at younger ages and among women after age 60, suggesting a possible link between endogenous estrogens and systolic blood pressure (SBP) We tested whether serum 17 beta-estradiol (E-2) or any of its metabolites were associated with SBP among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS Using a cross-sectional study design, we examined data from a population-based sample of 98 adults living in Cook County, Illinois. Age ranged between 55 and 69 years and body mass index (BMI) ranged between 19.8 and 50.6 kg/m(2). Serum was analyzed for 17 beta-E-2 and 14 estrogen metabolites (EMS) using mass spectrometry. SBP was measured using a tonometric device that records a pulse wave at the radial artery. Demographic and health history information were obtained via questionnaires. RESULTS Univariate analysis revealed an inverse relationship between SBP and both natural log (in) 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone (OHE1) (r = -0.360, P < 0.05) and In 16-ketoestradiol (ketoE(2)) (r = -0.360, P < 0.05) among women but not men. No significant correlations were found between SBP and 17 beta-E-2 in either sex. In multivariate analysis which adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, BMI, and use of cardiovascular medications, In 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone (16 alpha-OHE1) (B = -5.3, s.e. = 2.1, P < 0.05) and In 16-ketoE(2) (B = -4.7, s.e. = 1.9, P < 0.05) continued to be negatively associated with SBP among postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that serum 16 alpha-OHE1 or 16-ketoE(2) may be important for vascular health among postmenopausal women but not among similarly aged men. Am J Hypertens 2009; 22:1148-1153 (C) 2009 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.