Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Postmenopausal Women: A Sex-Specific Risk Factor in Coronary Surgery

Internal mammary artery endothelial cells from women after menopause undergoing coronary surgery have impaired expression of messenger RNA for eNOS and reduced eNOS levels. Reduced bioactivity of nitric oxide translates into impaired endothelial metabolism that could contribute to worse surgical outcome.