Adriana Maggi

Mechanisms of the Neuroprotective Effects of Estrogen

It is now well accepted that in mammals estrogen action extends far beyond the control of sexual functions. Apart from the regulation of reproductive functions and behavior, in fact, estrogen’s direct involvement has been demonstrated in the differentiation of fetal brain [1], in the control of locomotion and the regulation of fine movements [2], in memory performance [3], and in temperature control [4]. Moreover, it is now well known that estrogen exerts beneficial effects throughout the entire organism, which quite abruptly cease in women at the beginning of menopause, leading to an increase in the onset of pathologies typical of the older years: osteoporosis, increased cardiovascular risk, chronic inflammatory disorders, and neurodegeneration, in which estrogen administration appears to actively provide benefit [5].