Tamoxifen up-regulates catalase production, inhibits vessel wall neutrophil infiltration, and attenuates development of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms

A group of medications with estrogen-like properties, the SERMs, act as either an estrogen receptor agonist or antagonist in a tissue-selective manner. SERM use has increased rapidly because they have been found to be beneficial in treatment of breast cancer, prevention of osteoporosis, and treatment of desmoid tumors and retroperitoneal fibrosis. The effects of SERMs on the formation of experimental AAAs have not been studied to date. This study was designed to determine the effect of tamoxifen on the experimental development of AAAs in a rodent model.