Role of raloxifene on platelet metabolism and plasma lipids

Background This study was performed to understand the metabolic effects of raloxifene, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, on platelets in healthy non‐obese postmenopausal women. The data were compared to untreated subjects. Materials and methods Platelet nitric oxide activity (NO) and peroxynitrite level, platelet inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and plasma lipids were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of raloxifene or placebo treatment. Results A significant increase of platelet NO and reduction of platelet peroxynitrite levels, as well as a decrease of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, was observed 12 months after raloxifene therapy as compared to baseline or placebo treatment. Moreover, raloxifene treatment caused a significant increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and a decrease of total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed versus baseline values (P