Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers the release of inflammatory cytokines, including MCP-1, from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), leading to the initiation and acceleration of atherosclerotic lesions. Estrogen is vasoprotective against atherosclerosis but the mechanisms involved in its anti-inflammatory activity are unclear. Using a p38 MAPK inhibitor and siRNA, Jiang and colleagues demonstrate that 17β-estradiol (E2) inhibits LPS-induced VSMC migration by downregulating MCP-1 production and inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NFκB cascade. Jiang et al. (2010) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 45, 87-97.

DOI: 10.1677/JME-09-0166