Analysis of oxidative stress during the menstrual cycle

Umberto Cornelli,Maria Rosaria Cesarone,Gianni Belcaro,Annarosa Finco

doi:10.1186/1477-7827-11-74

Umberto Cornelli, Maria Rosaria Cesarone + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-74

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Abstract

BackgroundFew data concerning the oxidative stress (OS) in plasma during the entire menstrual cycle of eumenorrheic women are available.MethodsOS was assessed in 20 healthy volunteers during the phase of the menstrual cycle by determining the plasmatic hydroperoxides levels (d-ROMs test). The assessment was performed every three days, starting from the first day (t1) up the end of the menstrual phase (t27). Concomitantly, the estrogen (E2) and progestin (P4) levels were determined at the same time intervals.ResultsFrom a base value (t1) of 284 +/− 38.0 CARR.U., which is essentially within the normal range (<300 Carratelli units or CARR.U.), the OS levels progressively increased to 378 +/− 115 CARR.U. at t15, and then slightly decreased over the subsequent time but with average values >300 CARR.U. Analysis of the E2 levels showed that the maximum OS values were noticed near the estrogen peak, while remaining above the base levels, and then decreased during the progestin phase until returning to normal at the end of the menstrual cycle.ConclusionsIt may concludes that the healthy women go into OS for 2/3 of the menstrual cycle.

Highlights

Few data concerning the oxidative stress (OS) in plasma during the entire menstrual cycle of eumenorrheic women are available
Analysis of oxidative stress (OS) The analysis of the OS condition during the menstrual cycle was assessed on the basis of the Reactive Oxygen Metabolites-derived compounds (d-ROMs) test [4,5] which is used to determine the levels of hydroperoxides in plasma
The OS increase begins on average between t6 and t24, and the hydroperoxide levels return to the base values from the start of the new cycle at t27

Summary

Introduction

Few data concerning the oxidative stress (OS) in plasma during the entire menstrual cycle of eumenorrheic women are available. The markers analyzed were related exclusively to lipids peroxidation, whereas the condition of oxidative stress is affecting many other compounds such as proteins, DNA and sugars These derivatives taken all together can give a more sensible picture of OS, as it is the case of the hydroperoxides levels in plasma which allow a more complete nonspecific evaluation of OS [3]. This data shows that the peak OS phase occurs in the central phases of the cycle (late follicular phase and early luteal phase), or rather at the time of ovular maturation and possible implantation This phase occurs with: a) an increase in the production of GSHpx; b) a reduction in the GSH; c) an increase in the GSSG; d) a substantial stability of the MDA

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