Effects of genetic factors on the response to hormone replacement therapy

: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is currently recognized as the potential tool for menopause medicine. But it is also well known that the effects of HRT on bones and blood vessels show interindividual variances. Among the candidate factors to explain these variances, genetic factors may play an important role. Several reports have shown associations between some genetic markers, such as polymorphisms of estrogen receptor alpha gene, and the effect of HRT on bone mineral density. Phenotype of apolipoprotein B, E, and angiotensin-converting enzyme, as well as polymorphisms of estrogen receptor alpha gene, have been reported to influence the lipid metabolic or vasodilatic response to HRT. This information can be applicable to tailor-made therapy. But the results of reports are conflicting and relationships between genetic markers and the response to HRT are still controversial. Further investigations will reveal the potential of genetic markers in disease managements near future.