Neurobiol Aging 2000 May-Jun;21(3):475-96
The women's health initiative estrogen replacement therapy is neurotrophic and neuroprotective.
Diaz Brinton R, Chen S, Montoya M, Hsieh D, Minaya J, Kim J, Chu HP.
Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Program in Neuroscience, University of Southern California, Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.

The current study investigated the neurotrophic and neuroprotective action of the complex formulation of conjugated equine Estrogens (CEEs), the most frequently prescribed estrogen replacement therapy in the United States and the estrogen replacement therapy of the Women's Health Initiative. Morphologic analyses demonstrated that CEEs significantly increased neuronal outgrowth in hippocampal, basal forebrain, occipital, parietal and frontal cortex neurons. Dose-response analyses indicated that the lowest effective concentration of CEEs exerted the maximal neurotrophic effect with greatest potency occurring in hippocampal and occipital cortex neurons. CEES induced highly significant neuroprotection against beta amyloid(25-35), hydrogen peroxide and glutamate-induced toxicity. Rank order of potency and magnitude of CEE-induced neuroprotection in the brain regions investigated was hippocampal neurons > basal forebrain neurons > cortical neurons. In hippocampal neurons pre-exposed to beta amyloid(25-35), CEEs halted Abeta(25-35)-induced cell death and protected surviving neurons from further cell death induced by Abeta(25-35). Because CEEs are the estrogen replacement therapy of the Women's Health Initiative, results of the current study could provide cellular mechanisms for understanding effects of CEEs on cognitive function and risk of Alzheimer's disease derived from this prospective clinical trial.

Maturitas 1999 Jun 21;32(2):87-93
Climacteric skin ageing of the face--a prospective longitudinal comparative trial on the effect of oral hormone replacement therapy.
Pierard-Franchimont C, Cornil F, Dehavay J, Deleixhe-Mauhin F, Letot B, Pierard GE.
Department of Dermatopathology, Belgian SSTC Research Center 5596, University Medical Center Sart Tilman, Liege.

BACKGROUND: It is still a matter of debate whether HRT improves the physical quality of sun damaged skin. OBJECTIVES: To compare in a prospective longitudinal study the effects of climacteric aging controlled or not by HRT upon the tensile properties of facial skin. METHOD: A total of 140 women aged 40-52 years were enrolled in the study. The HRT group comprised 90 volunteers and a control group encompassed 50 non recipient volunteers. Yearly measurements of tensile functions of facial skin were performed for 5 years. A computerized suction device equipped with a 2-mm diameter hollow probe derived tensile variables quantifying skin distensibility, viscosity and elasticity. RESULTS: Climacteric aging was characterized by increased skin distensibility (1.1% per year) and viscosity (1.3% per year) mirrored by a decrease in elasticity (1.5% per year). HRT helped mitigate such changes. However, the HRT efficacy was not similar in all volunteers. Groups of good and poor responders were clearly identified as far as benefit on skin elasticity was concerned. CONCLUSION: The beneficial effect of HRT upon climacteric skin aging of the face is confirmed, at least in a subgroup of menopausal women.