Results: ICAM-1 expression was inhibited by beta-sitosterol alone, when combined with 17 beta-estradiol or progesterone, or with both hormones. It was shown that 7.5 mu M beta-sitosterol decreased migration and adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs cultured in the presence of oxLDL. This effect was also observed in HUVEC cultures in the presence of beta-sitosterol, the 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone mixture, and in the presence of the two hormones. It was shown that 7.5 mu M beta-sitosterol significantly inhibited chemotaxis of [H-1] thymidine labeled THP-1 cells in oxLDL-stimulated HUVEC cultures. MCPA concentrations in the supematants of oxLDL-stimulated HUVEC cultures were inhibited by 7.5 mu M beta-sitosterol as well as by progesterone and the mixture of the two female hormones. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.