[Bone mineral density in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A link between immune and biochemical markers].

AIM: To study the association of bone mineral density (BMD) with serum biochemical and immunological markers in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 173 women with RA (age 61.0 [56.0; 66.0] years). A survey, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure the BMD of the lumbar spine (LI-LIV), femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH), routine blood chemistry, measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor, cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (CCPA), parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D3, myostatin, follistatin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-6 receptors, insulin-like growth factor 1, adiponectin, leptin, fibroblast growth factor 23, and tumor necrosis factor SF12 were performed. RESULTS: PTH (ß=-0.22, -0.35 and -0.30 for LI-LIV, FN and TH, respectively), CRP (ß=-0.18, 0.23 and -0.22 for LI-LIV, FN and TH, respectively) and leptin (ß=0.35, 0.32 and 0.42 for LI-LIV, FN and TH, respectively) were shown a significant association with BMD in all sites of measurement. It was independent of age, body mass index and postmenopause duration. Associations were also found between adiponectin and BMD of LI-LIV and TH (ß=-0.36 and -0.28, respectively), CCPA and BMD of FN and TH (ß=-0.21, -0.24, respectively) and IL-6 and BMD of FN (ß=0.37). CONCLUSION: The study of biochemical and immunological markers in women with RA demonstrated that CRP, CCPA, PTH, IL-6, adiponectin, and leptin influenced BMD.

The efficacy of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil on menopausal symptoms, serum lipid profile, and cortisol concentration in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on menopausal symptoms, serum cortisol level, and lipid profile in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This was a triple-blind parallel-armed randomized trial. Seventy-two postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years referring to healthcare centers in Tabriz, Iran with a score of 15-42 on the Green scale were included from May 10, 2022 to May 22, 2023. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups with a 1:1 ratio and using four and six blocks. One group received LEO soft gel 80 mg per day, and another group received a similar placebo for 60 days. A demographic questionnaire and a Greene menopause symptom scale were used for data collection. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL) and the serum levels of cortisol were measured using biochemical methods. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, Independent samples t-test, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Repeated measure ANOVA, and Paired sample t-test were utilized for analyses. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The demographic and personal characteristics of the participants were similar. After two months of intervention, all symptoms in psychological, physical, vasomotor, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction domains were significantly relieved (decreased) among both groups (p < 0.003), except for sexual dysfunction, the reduction of which was not significant in the placebo group (p = 0.317). The mean (SD) total score of menopausal symptoms reduced from 27.4 (6.3) at baseline to 17.7 (4.9) at the end of the study in the LEO group (p < 0.001). It also decreased from 27.4 (7.1) to 17.6 (5.1) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). However, between-group analyses revealed that this reduction was significantly greater in the LEO group compared to the placebo group only in the sexual dysfunction (Mean (SD): 1.3 (0.6) vs. 1.0 (0.5); adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval); p: - 0.35 (-0.67 to -0.02); 0.039). No significant within-group changes or between-group differences were observed (p > 0.05) in terms of studied serum markers. CONCLUSION: The oral LEO exhibited a significant enhancement in sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women. Therefore, it can be used alongside other therapies to improve sexual dysfunction during menopause. LEO did not affect lipid profile and serum cortisol level in this study.

Correlation of serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 with osteoporosis in patients of postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common complication of postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, the objective of our study was to explore the correlation between serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) and OP among postmenopausal women with RA to foster better diagnosis and treatment. A total of 208 elderly postmenopausal women with RA were included in this study, with 83 patients diagnosed with OP after RA diagnosis and 125 patients without OP. Serum MMP3 levels and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured and compared. The predictive value of serum MMP3 for OP in this population was also analyzed using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Postmenopausal women with RA and OP diagnosis had markedly higher serum MMP3 levels, compared to those without OP. ROC analysis showed that serum MMP3 had predictive value for OP. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between serum MMP3 levels and BMD. High serum MMP3 levels were also found to be associated with high abnormal bone metabolism. We found that serum MMP3 levels are strongly correlated with OP in postmenopausal women with RA and that elevated levels of serum MMP3 are linked to low BMD and high abnormal bone metabolism. Serum MMP3 may be a useful biomarker for predicting OP in this population, and could potentially aid in the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Associated between cognition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and macronutrients in normal and overweight postmenopausal women.

BDNF is a protein associated with cognitive dysfunction. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between BDNF and cognitive functions and the intake of macronutrients in postmenopausal women. For this purpose, 72 postmenopausal women were recruited to the study and divided into two subgroups: overweight/obese and normal weight. Using a 3-day food record, nutrition was assessed. The markers studied were the level of BDNF, which was determined from the venous blood serum collected from women, and selected cognitive functions. We observed that in the normal BMI group macronutrient intake was correlated with BDNF levels, and only total fat and carbohydrate intake were inversely correlated with BDNF levels. There were inverse correlations observed among selected parameters of cognitive functioning. In the Ov/Ob group, macronutrient intake correlated with the BDNF level for several variables, e.g. vice versa with total protein, fat and carbohydrate intake, as well as dietary cholesterol. It has also been noted that there are links between the BDNF factor and excessive body weight.

Impact of Serum Vitamin D, B6, and B12 and Cognitive Functions on Quality of Life in Peri- and Postmenopausal Polish Women.

BACKGROUND Menopause initiates or accelerates health problems in a woman’s life, and affects cognitive processes and quality of life. We aimed to assess the quality of life, cognitive functions, and serum vitamin D, B6, and B12 concentrations in perimenopausal and postmenopausal Polish women. Also, we correlated the assessment of the quality of life with these vitamin concentrations and cognitive functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 287 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Serum levels of vitamin D, B6, and B12, cognitive functions using CNS Vital Signs software, and quality of life using WHO Quality of Life Brief were tested. RESULTS Almost all of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had normal concentrations of serum vitamin B12 (96%), 80% of them had normal B6 concentration, while only 9% had optimal serum vitamin D concentration. Postmenopausal women had lower Neurocognitive Index, psychomotor speed, motor speed, reaction time, and lower assessment of overall quality of life, physical health, and social relationships compared to perimenopausal women. In comparison to postmenopausal women, perimenopausal women had a lower serum vitamin B6 concentration, and the lower the concentration of this vitamin in serum they had, the lower they assessed their environment. Perimenopausal women assessed their social relationships the better, the better the visual memory, and the lower the processing speed they had. Postmenopausal women assessed the environment the better, the higher their Neurocognition Index was, and the better the reaction time they had. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of quality of life was associated with some cognitive functions in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of Iron biomarkers and cardiovascular risk factors in pre- and postmenopausal women: leveraging repeated measurements to address natural variability.

BACKGROUND: The association between iron biomarkers and cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVD-RFs) remains unclear. We aimed to (1) evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between iron biomarkers (serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), transferrin) and CVD-RFs among women, and (2) explore if these associations were modified by menopausal status. METHOD: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses including 2542 and 1482 women from CoLaus cohort, respectively. Multiple linear regression and multilevel mixed models were used to analyse the associations between Iron biomarkers and CVD-RFs. Variability of outcomes and iron markers between surveys was accessed using intraclass correlation (ICC). RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment, elevated serum ferritin levels were associated with increased insulin and glucose levels, while higher transferrin levels were linked to elevated glucose, insulin and total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). No association was observed between CVD-RFs and TSAT (p > 0.05). Iron biomarkers demonstrated low reliability across reproductive stages but exhibited stronger associations in the perimenopausal group. In longitudinal analysis, we found association only for transferrin with lower glucose levels [ß = - 0.59, 95% CI (- 1.10, - 0.08), p = 0.02] and lower diastolic blood pressure [ß = - 7.81, 95% CI (- 15.9, - 0.56), p = 0.04]. CONCLUSION: In cross-sectional analysis, transferrin was associated with several CVD-RFs, and the associations did not change according to menopausal status. Conversely, in the longitudinal analyses, changes in transferrin were associated only with lower glucose and diastolic blood pressure levels. These differences might stem from the substantial longitudinal variation of iron biomarkers, underscoring the need for multiple iron measurements in longitudinal analyses.

Evaluation of some proinflammatory cytokines and biochemical parameters in pre and postmenopausal breast cancer women.

The study was planned to evaluate the differences in certain proinflammatory cytokines(IL-6, TNF-α) with CRP and biochemical parameters (E2, D3, LDH, GGT, TSB, Ca, Ph, uric acid), between women with pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer and seemingly healthy women in Iraqi women as controls; at medical city in teaching Oncology hospital,70 breast cancer patients women their ages ranged (47.51 ± 1.18) and 20 healthy women with age (44.45 ± 2.66) begun from September (2020) to February (2021). The aims of this study to investigate the evaluation of chemotherapy effects especially doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide only use in this study in pre and postmenopausal breast cancer women on proinflammatory cytokines(IL-6, TNF-α) with CRP and on biochemical parameters(E2, D3, LDH, GGT, TSB, Ca, Ph, uric acid) in pre and postmenapausal breast cancer women. The patients were divided into five groups and each group contains 14 patients women with breast cancer during pre and postmenopausal periods. The control groups were divided into 10 pre and 10 postmenopausal women(Fig. 1). The results of proinflammatory cytokines of and biochemical parameters in premenopausal groups were as the levels of IL-6 (pg/ml),TNF-α(pg/ml) and CRP (ng/ml) showed significant increase differences (P < 0.01)among breast cancer treated (BCT) groups in comparison with control groups,While the Liver enzymes GGT,LDH and TSB showed highly significant increase (P < 0.01) in BCT groups, Estrogen levels (pg/ml) and D3(ng/ml) increased significantly (P < 0.01)among BCT groups. Blood serum calcium and phosphorus with uric acid levels (mg/dl) showed significant difference (P < 0.01); While the result in postmenopausal of IL-6(pg/ml), TNF-α (pg/ml) and CRP (ng/ml) showed highly significant differences (P < 0.01)among BCT groups.While GGT(IU/L), LDH(IU/L) and TSB (mg/dl) enzymes were increased significantly (p < 0.01), Estrogen (pg/ml) and D3(ng/ml) levels showed significant increase (P < 0.01) among BCT groups.Blood calcium and phosphorus showed significant increase (P < 0.01) while uric acid was non-significant increase (P > 0.05).

Plasma oxysterols are associated with serum lipids and dementia risk in older women.

INTRODUCTION: Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) carriers' tendency toward hypercholesterolemia may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk through oxysterols, which traverse the blood-brain barrier. METHODS: Relationships between baseline plasma oxysterols, APOE status, serum lipids, and cognitive impairment risk were examined in 328 postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study. Women were followed for 25 years or until incident dementia or cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Levels of 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC), 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC), and 24-OHC/27-OHC ratio did not differ by APOE status (p's > 0.05). Higher 24-OHC and 27-OHC were associated with higher total, low density lipoprotein (LDL), non-high density lipoprotein (HDL), remnant, LDL/HDL, and total/HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (p's < 0.05). Higher 24-OHC/27-OHC was associated with greater dementia risk (hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval:1.02-2.22), which interaction analyses revealed as significant for APOE3 and APOE4+, but not APOE2+ carriers. DISCUSSION: Less favorable lipid profiles were associated with higher oxysterol levels. A higher ratio of 24-OHC/27-OHC may contribute to dementia risk in APOE3 and APOE4+ carriers.

A biological characterization of patients with postmenopausal Parkinson's disease.

Menopause increases the risk for Parkinson's disease (PD), although the underlying biological mechanisms have not been established in patients. Here, we aimed to understand the basis of menopause-related vulnerability to PD. Main motor and non-motor scores, blood levels of estradiol, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, CSF levels of total α-synuclein, amyloid-ß-42, amyloid-ß-40, total tau, and phosphorylated-181-tau were examined in 45 women with postmenopausal-onset PD and 40 age-matched controls. PD patients had higher testosterone and lower estradiol levels than controls, and the residual estradiol production was associated with milder motor disturbances and lower dopaminergic requirements. In PD but not in controls, follicle-stimulating hormone levels correlated with worse cognitive scores and CSF markers of amyloidopathy and neuronal loss. In conclusion, menopause-related hormonal changes might differentially contribute to clinical-pathological trajectories of PD, accounting for the peculiar vulnerability to the disease.

Sex-steroid hormones and risk of postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: a case-cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: Sex-steroid hormones are associated with postmenopausal breast cancer but potential confounding from other biological pathways is rarely considered. We estimated risk ratios for sex-steroid hormone biomarkers in relation to postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, while accounting for biomarkers from insulin/insulin-like growth factor-signaling and inflammatory pathways. METHODS: This analysis included 1208 women from a case-cohort study of postmenopausal breast cancer within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Weighted Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer, per doubling plasma concentration of progesterone, estrogens, androgens, and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Analyses included sociodemographic and lifestyle confounders, and other biomarkers identified as potential confounders. RESULTS: Increased risks of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer were observed per doubling plasma concentration of progesterone (RR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.44), androstenedione (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.45), dehydroepiandrosterone (RR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.34), total testosterone (RR: 1.11, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.29), free testosterone (RR: 1.12, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.28), estrone (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.48), total estradiol (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.39) and free estradiol (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.41). A possible decreased risk was observed for SHBG (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.05). CONCLUSION: Progesterone, estrogens and androgens likely increase postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer risk, whereas SHBG may decrease risk. These findings strengthen the causal evidence surrounding the sex-hormone-driven nature of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Evaluation of 25(OH) vitamin D3 and quadriceps strength correlation in postmenopausal women: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is common in postmenopausal women and is associated with low vitamin D intake, increased age, decreased absorption. Especially at advanced age, vitamin D deficiency may increase muscle weakness and disbalance resulting in increased risk of fracture. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the correlation between 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels and quadriceps muscle strength in postmenopausal women. METHODS: We evaluated bilateral qadriceps muscle strength in postmenopausal women with isokinetic test. We evaluated the correlation of muscle power with measurements of parathormone, vitamin D, Calcium, creatinine, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total creatine kinase. RESULTS: The mean vitamin D level of 95 participants included in the study was 18.24 ± 8.94 ng/ml. Vitamin D levels were found to be deficient (< 10 ng/ml) in 23 (24.1%), insufficient in 62 (65.26%) and normal in 10 (10.53%) of the 95 participants. A weak negative correlation was observed between participants' vitamin D levels and PT values (r=-0.271, p= 0.012). A moderate negative correlation was found between ALP and vitamin D levels (r=-0.317, p= 0.002). However, there was no significant correlation between vitamin D levels and the 60∘ and 90∘ flexion and extension peak torque values (All p values > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D levels and muscle strength weren't statistically significant. Few studies are available in the related literature, highlighting the need for further research to achieve a clearer consensus.

Vitamin D and vitamin K status in postmenopausal women with normal and low bone mineral density.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D and K are believed to promote bone health, but existing evidence is controversial. This study aimed to measure several metabolites of both vitamins by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in a cohort of postmenopausal women with low and normal bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: Vitamin metabolites (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D), phylloquinone (K1), menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and MK-7) were measured in 131 serum samples by LC-MS/MS. The vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR) was calculated. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), type I procollagen-N-terminal-peptide (PINP) and C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX-I) were measured by immunoassay. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was performed to identify participants with normal (T-score>-1) and low (T-score<-1) BMD. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.2±8.5 years. BMD was normal in 68 and low in 63 women. Median (interquartile range) for 25(OH)D and total vitamin K concentrations were 53.5 (39.6-65.9) nmol/L and 1.33 (0.99-2.39) nmol/L. All vitamin metabolites were comparable in individuals with normal and low BMD. Furthermore, BMD and trabecular bone score were comparable in participants with adequate and inadequate vitamin status (at least one criterion was met: 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L, 24,25(OH)2D <3 nmol/L, VMR <4 %, total vitamin K <0.91 nmol/L). PTH, but not PINP or CTX-I, was inversely correlated with 25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)2D and VMR. Synergistic effects between vitamin D and K were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D and K status is not related to BMD and trabecular bone quality in postmenopausal women. Inverse associations were only seen between vitamin D metabolites and PTH.

SERUM LEPTIN LEVEL IN BREAST CANCER.

Leptin is a polypeptide which is mostly produced in white fat tissue and is an important proinflammatory, proangiogenic, proinvasive and mitotic factor. There is ever more evidence suggesting the key role of leptin in the occurrence of breast cancer. The aim of the study was to investigate serum leptin levels in patients with benign breast tumors, as well as in various breast cancer phenotypes, taking into account leptin levels connected to menopausal status and body mass index (BMI). The study included 97 patients having their breast tumor surgically removed. Serum leptin level was determined by ELISA method in all study patients. Study results showed that significantly more women, regardless of having malignant or benign tumors, were postmenopausal and had a significantly higher level of leptin compared to the premenopausal group. The highest level of leptin was recorded in the group of postmenopausal obese women compared to other postmenopausal women but also compared to premenopausal women. According to BMI alone, obese women had a significantly higher level of leptin regardless of the type of tumor. The most significant differences in leptin levels observed through BMI were found in the Luminal B1 group. In conclusion, serum leptin level was shown to be a good diagnostic parameter suggesting a higher possibility of breast cancer development.

Quantitative analysis of the MRI features in the differentiation of benign, borderline, and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the value of the quantitative indicators of MRI in the differential diagnoses of benign, borderline, and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors (EOTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 477 women with 513 masses who underwent MRI and operation, including benign EOTs (BeEOTs), borderline EOTs (BEOTs), and malignant EOTs (MEOTs). The clinical information and MRI findings of the three groups were compared. Then, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find the independent diagnostic factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the quantitative indicators of MRI and clinical information in differentiating BeEOTs from BEOTs or differentiating BEOTs from MEOTs. RESULTS: The MEOTs likely involved postmenopausal women and showed higher CA-125, HE4 levels, ROMA indices, peritoneal carcinomatosis and bilateral involvement than BeEOTs and BEOTs. Compared with BEOTs, BeEOTs and MEOTs appeared to be more frequently oligocystic (P < 0.001). BeEOTs were more likely to show mild enhancement (P < 0.001) and less ascites (P = 0.003) than BEOTs and MEOTs. In the quantitative indicators of MRI, BeEOTs usually showed thin-walled cysts and no solid component. BEOTs displayed irregular thickened wall and less solid portion. MEOTs were more frequently characterized as solid or predominantly solid mass (P < 0.001) than BeEOTs and BEOTs. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that volume of the solid portion (P = 0.006), maximum diameter of the solid portion (P = 0.038), enhancement degrees (P < 0.001), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (P = 0.011) were significant indicators for the differential diagnosis of the three groups. The area under the curves (AUCs) of above indicators and combination of four image features except peritoneal carcinomatosis for the differential diagnosis of BeEOTs and BEOTs, BEOTs and MEOTs ranged from 0.74 to 0.85, 0.58 to 0.79, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, the characteristics of MRI can provide objective quantitative indicators for the accurate imaging diagnosis of three categories of EOTs and are helpful for clinical decision-making. Among these MRI characteristics, the volume, diameter, and enhancement degrees of the solid portion showed good diagnostic performance.

Relationship between Menopause and Complications of Hyperthyroidism in Female Patients in Iraq.

Hyperthyroidism is a health problem characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, resulting in extra triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) production, as well as a decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The oxidative stress indicators in hyperthyroid patients and the relationship with impaired metabolism of lipid are still controversial, especially in menopausal women suffering from a lack of ovulation hormones. In this study, blood samples were withdrawn from 120 subjects, including healthy premenopausal (n=30) and postmenopausal women (n=30) as control groups (G1 and G2), as well as 30 hyperthyroid women in each group of premenopausal and postmenopausal patient groups (G3 and G4). The levels of T3, T4, and TSH, blood pressure, and lipid profiles, such as triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in the two healthy control groups and patient groups with hyperthyroidism were measured. In addition, serum progesterone levels were measured by the Bio-Merieux kit France, according to the manufacturer's instructions. The results revealed a significant decrease in SOD activity in the postmenopausal group, as compared to that in premenopausal women and control groups. Hyperthyroidism groups demonstrated a significant increase in MDA and AOPP levels, compared to control groups. Patient groups reported a decreased level of progesterone, in comparison with control groups. Moreover, there was a significant increase in T3 and T4 in patient groups (G3 and G4), compared to that in control groups (G1 and G2). There was a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in menopausal hyperthyroidism (G4), compared to that in other groups. The TC decreased significantly in G3 and G4, compared to that in both control groups (P<0.05); nonetheless, there was no significant difference between patient groups (G3 and G4), as well as between control groups (G1 and G2). The study suggested that hyperthyroidism causes an increase in oxidative stress, which negatively affects the antioxidant system and drops levels of progesterone in both premenopausal and postmenopausal female patients. Therefore, low levels of progesterone are linked with hyperthyroidism, leading to aggravating symptoms of the disease.

The efficacy of soy isoflavones combined with soy protein on serum concentration of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α among post-menopausal women? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The post-menopausal stage in women's life is associated with the enhancement of inflammation that may be reduced using soy isoflavones or soy protein. The present study aimed to summarize the effect of soy isoflavones plus soy protein on circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in post-menopausal women. The English-language articles were identified from the databases such as Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus until December 2020. The mean change from baseline and its standard deviation (SD) for intervention and comparison groups were used to calculate the effect size. The statistical heterogeneity of the intervention effects was computing by Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic. Nine and seven studies were selected for systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. The results of our meta-analysis indicated a non-significant effect on the serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α (weighted mean differences [WMD] = 0.07 pg/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.03, 0.17 pg/mL; P = 0.190; WMD =0.05 pg/mL; 95% CI = -0.01, 0.12 pg/mL; P = 0.092; respectively). In subgroup analysis, soy isoflavones plus soy protein could increase the serum concentration of IL-6 in studies with soy isoflavones dose ≤87 mg/days, cross-over design, weak quality, and studies on participants who had health risk factors or diseases. The serum concentration of TNF-α increased in studies with cross-over design, intervention duration ≤56 days, and body mass index (BMI) >27, and in studies that were conducted on at-risk or sick participants. In conclusion, our meta-analysis did not confirm any significant effect on serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α among post-menopausal women.

Association between serum uric acid and carotid atherosclerosis in elderly postmenopausal women: A hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and implicated in 20-30% of strokes. METHODS: 504 patients were included in this study. The detailed medical history and the results of physical examination, carotid ultrasound examination, and routine laboratory tests were collected. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the relationship between the SUA and the presence of carotid plaques. And the relationship between SUA and the progression of CAS was analyzed by multiple linear regression. The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on CAS has also be evaluated. RESULTS: 412 patients (81.7%) had carotid plaques of different sizes by carotid ultrasound examination. We found a positive association between the level of SUA and the probability of having carotid plaque by univariate logistic regression (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.83-2.19, p = 0.003). At 2 years post-discharge, we found that 1 mg/dL increase in SUA levels was expected to 0.946% increase in plaque score and 0.026 cm increase in carotid intima-media thickness, separately. Moreover, patients treated by long-term HRT (≥5 years) had a lower level of SUA and blood lipid and the less change of plaque score and carotid intima-media thickness than patients without HRT. CONCLUSION: The presence and progression of CAS had significantly positive associations with the level of SUA. And the HRT may have the ability to prevent the presence and progression of CAS. However, the safety and long-term outcome of HRT on CAS should be evaluated in further studies.

Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and selected bioelements in perimenopausal women with regard to body mass index.

During the menopause, decreased estrogen levels may be accompanied by increased levels of inflammatory mediators. Many studies also show significant relationships between the levels of bioelements and proinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and selected bioelements in perimenopausal women with regard to BMI. METHODS: The study of 217 perimenopausal women involved the completion of questionnaires concerning sociodemographic and medical data, anthropometric measurements, and blood collection. RESULTS: In all studied women, the levels of IL-1ß significantly positively correlated with Ca, Mg, and Sr; IFNγ significantly negatively correlated with Sr, and IL-6 with Mg. In women with a normal BMI, the levels of IL-1ß significantly positively correlated with Ca and Sr, and CRP positively correlated with Zn. In overweight women, the levels of IL-1ß positively correlated with Ca, IL-6 with Na, and IFNγ negatively correlated with Sr. In obese women, the levels of CRP positively correlated with Zn, TNFα with Mg, IFNγ with Cu and P. The levels of IL-6 negatively correlated with Ca and Mg. CONCLUSIONS: BMI may be one of the factors that affect the relationship between serum bioelement levels and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and CRP in women, especially during the menopausal period.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein rs5833 genetic variant affect HDL-cholesterol levels and ratio total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol in postmenopausal obese female patient.

OBJECTIVE: One SNP in exon 9 (r5883) has been involved with high risk of cardiovascular disease in hypertensive subjects. The goal of the present study was to test the role of this genetic variant on lipid levels and Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in menopausal obese females. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study enrolled a sample of 112 menopausal obese females. Measurements of adiposity parameters, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, C reactive protein and prevalence of MS were recorded. Genotype of CETP gene polymorphism (rs5883) was studied. RESULTS: The distribution of the rs5883 polymorphism in this menopausal obese population was 83.9% (n=94) (CC), 15.2% (n=17) (CT) and 0.9% (n=1) (TT). Adiposity parameters, blood pressure, fasting glucose levels, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, C reactive protein, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were similar in both genotype groups (CC vs. CT+TT). Moreover, HDL cholesterol (8.5+1.2 mg/dl; p=0.01) and ratio total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol (0.5±0.2; p=0.04) were higher in T allele carriers (dominant model). MS percentage was similar in both genotypes (37.6% vs. 27.2%; p=0.43). Logistic regression analysis showed a decreased risk of low-HDL cholesterol in T allele carriers (OR=0.18, 95% CI=0.02-0.77, p=0.03) after adjusting by dietary fatty acid intakes, body mass index and age. CONCLUSIONS: The results reported here support that CETP variant rs5883 is related with HDL-cholesterol levels and ratio total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol.

Combination of Endogenous Estradiol and Adipokine Leptin in Breast Cancer Risk and Prognosis Assessment in Postmenopausal Chinese Women.

Objective: Our study aims to clarify the role of estradiol and leptin in breast cancer risk and prognostic assessment in postmenopausal Chinese women. Design: The serum circulating estradiol and leptin level was detected by ELISA. Then the correlation between estradiol, leptin level, and clinical characteristics was analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Next, the Kaplan-Meier model was used to analyze the association between estradiol, leptin, and prognosis of postmenopausal breast cancer patients in our cohort and the TCGA dataset. Setting: The study was conducted at the National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College. Patients: A total of 182 postmenopausal breast cancer patients and 111 healthy subjects from January 2010 to August 2010 were included in the analysis. Another 702 cases with breast cancer were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for subsequent analysis. Main Outcome Measure: Serum circulating estradiol and leptin level. Results: The level of estradiol was significantly higher (P<0.001) but the level of leptin had no significant difference (P = 0.764) in postmenopausal breast cancer patients compared with healthy subjects. The level of estradiol and leptin was not significantly different between estrogen receptor (ER) positive and ER-negative groups (P>0.05). Estradiol was significantly correlated with tumor T stage (P = 0.002) and leptin was significantly associated with perineural invasion (P = 0.014). In addition, the disease-free survival of patients with a high level of estradiol was significantly shorter (P = 0.025) but leptin tended to be a protective factor for overall survival in TCGA analysis (P = 0.038). Conclusion: Circulating estradiol and leptin played important roles in the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer even in low-estrogen nations with an independent expression of ER status. High circulating estradiol was a poor prognostic factor and leptin may be a protection signal in Chinese postmenopausal patients with breast cancer.