When it comes to longevity, wom- en have an advantage over men because they are less susceptible to cardiovascular disease, at least until the onset of menopause (1). This advantage is due largely to the beneficial effects of their estrogen hormones on blood vessels (2). Estrogen crosses the plasma membrane of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and binds to specific intracellular re- ceptors. The ligand-receptor complex then alters gene expression, which results in pro- tection of blood vessels from injury and atherosclerosis.
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