The Human ElementOestrogen at the Heart of Lungs

Close of lung tissue showing heart shape

Entrant: Mandy MacLean

Copyright: 2024 Mandy MacLean

Funding: British Heart Foundation

The image is of the enzyme that makes oestrogen (aromatase) in an airway of the human lung. It is curiously shaped like a heart which reflects oestrogen being at the heart of many lung diseases both in men and in women. The airways and arteries of the lung make oestrogen, more-so in women, and this may account for sex differences in lung diseases.