Neuroprotective action of Estrogen: a brief review

• Author Details:   
• Anju Lata Rai

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Estrogens have been shown to affect the nervous system in many different ways. As the age advances especially in post menopausal women a significant decline in Cognition is observed. The low estrogen levels in postmenopausal females makes them vulnerable to neurodegenerative disorders. Estrogen has a neuroprotective role and this has been extensively studied in in-vitro or in rodents but the exact mechanism of action especially in humans is not completely understood. Several hypothesis have been documented by scientist to explain the neuroprotective mechanism of estrogens, they either 1) influence levels of neurotransmitter like GABA, Acetylcholine etc. 2) influence cerebral blood flow 3) alter growth proteins levels associated with axonal growth or lower the neurotoxic effects of β-amyloid. In this review, the author has tried to briefly describe the possible mechanism of action of estrogen in the nervous system, which may be significant in protecting against damage caused by ageing.

Keywords: Estrogen, Aging, Brain function