[ effect of soy protein consumption on serum lipid profile and lipid per oxidation levels in young female adults]

Cardiovascular [CVD] disease is the leading cause of death all over the world. Although, most CVD deaths occur from age 65 years and older, it should be noted that one third of deaths occur prematurely. Hypercholesterolemia, oxidized LDL and lipid per oxidation, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. It appears that some food additives may decline cardiovascular risk by lowering serum lipids or increase antioxidant activity. This study was designed to determine "the effect of soy protein consumption on serum lipid profiles and lipid per oxidation [serum malondialdehyde levels] in young female adults". In the present trial, 73 university students were supplemented by 100 grams of soy nuts daily for 4 weeks. Weight, basal metabolic index "BMI", lipid profile and malondialdehyde concentrations, were measured at the baseline and the end of week 4. Soy protein had no significant effect on weight, BMI, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, total/HDL-cholesterol ratio and LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio whereas triglyceride, malondialdehyde concentrations were decreased significantly [P<0.05]. These findings indicate beneficial effects of soy protein on some of biochemical indexes of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, soy protein consumption is recommended to prevent cardiovascular diseases

Correlates of age at natural menopause: a community-based study in Alexandria

Differences in the age at natural menopause were examined using a retrospective population sample of 289 naturally menopausal women. The mean age at natural menopause was 46.70 +/- 5.44 years. Earlier menopause occurred in women living in semiurban areas, divorced/separated and less educated women, and women who were younger at: first marriage, widowhood, divorce/separation and first or last full-term pregnancy. Later menopause occurred in women who had: irregular menstrual periods before 25 years, dysmenorrhoea and mid-cycle spotting. Duration of oral contraceptives use, weight and body mass index were significantly positively correlated with age at natural menopause. Multiple regression analyses indicated that age at last full-term pregnancy, residence, pattern of menstrual cessation and duration of oral contraceptive use were the significant predictors of the end of menstrual activity