The lymphatic system: a new target for the treatment of atherosclerosis in women
Observation
Observation
Post-menopausal women are more at risk of developing heart conditions
At menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels drop and her risk of atherosclerosis (a hardening of the arteries) increases. And yet the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon remain largely unknown.
The lymphatic system — responsible for eliminating excess cholesterol and reducing inflammation in the arteries — could play a key role. In fact, a dysfunctional lymphatic system might be a predictor of heart disease.
Goal
Identify health risks in women sooner
The ESTROLY project, led by Dr. Catherine Martel, aims to better understand how the lymphatic system is impacted by hormonal changes and what role it plays in the development of atherosclerotic plaque.
By using cutting-edge imaging technology, her team is assessing the health of lymphatic vessels in women aged 18 to 65. Researchers do so by measuring how often and how well these vessels contract.
Analyzing both blood and genetic biomarkers could help to predict a woman’s risk of developing a heart condition even before the first symptoms of menopause.
Impact
Prevent heart disease
Findings from the ESTROLY project could have significant impacts on the cardiovascular health of women. They could allow health care teams to:
- Better target at-risk women well before menopause
- Use biomarkers to track a person’s cardiovascular health
- Inspire the development of new approaches to restore lymphatic function
- Develop prevention strategies that take into account women’s biological characteristics