Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Comprehensive medicine, cilt.17, sa.1, ss.70-77, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and its evaluation in clinical settings is of great importance. Men are particularly at higher risk compared to premenopausal women, and the earlier onset of CVDs in men is associated with differences in estrogen levels between genders. Estrogen and testosterone regulate endothelial function through both genomic and non-genomic pathways, affecting vasodilation, inflammation, and cell proliferation. In women, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Although the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and female sex hormones has been demonstrated, its direct impact on female fertility remains unclear. Despite the connection between endothelial health and reproductive parameters, definitive markers for fertility and infertility have yet to be identified, making their use in clinical practice challenging. The polygenic nature of reproductive health further complicates the detection of specific markers. Therefore, despite significant advancements, further research is needed to identify reliable endothelial markers for fertility and infertility. This review focuses on the significance of the gender differences in endothelial dysfunction concerning cardiovascular diseases and fertility.