Disease In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Associations between the IL-6-neutralizing sIL-6R-sgp130 buffer system and coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women.

BackgroundAs a major inflammatory pathway in coronary artery disease (CAD), IL-6 trans-signaling is activated by the IL-6: sIL-6Rα binary complex (B) and inhibited by sgp130 through forming the IL-6: sIL-6Rα: sgp130 ternary complex (T). The aim of the present study was to examine the possible relationship between biomarkers mirroring the IL-6-neutralizing sIL-6R-sgp130 buffer system and CAD in postmenopausal women.MethodsOur study recruited 155 CAD patients and 181 controls among postmenopausal women. Circulating levels of IL-6, sIL-6Rα and sgp130 were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the B/T ratio was calculated by the specific formulas.ResultsCAD patients showed significantly higher circulating levels of IL-6 and sIL-6Rα, significantly higher B/T ratio, and significantly lower sgp130 levels than controls (all P<0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated that IL-6 levels (r=0.185, P<0.01) and B/T ratio (r=0.319, P<0.01) were positively related to Gensini scores, while elevated sgp130 levels were significantly associated with decreased Gensini scores (r=−0.565, P<0.001). In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that Gensini scores were negatively associated with serum sgp130 levels (β-coefficient =−0.318, P<0.001) and had a positive association with IL-6 levels (β-coefficient =0.138, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that after adjusting for confounding factors, higher sgp130 remained an independent predictor of lower incidence of CAD in women after menopause (OR =0.904; 95% CI: 0.837–0.976, P=0.010). Moreover, sgp130 levels at 136.01 ng/mL (AUC =0.957, 95% CI: 0.928–0.986, P<0.001) and B/T ratio at 1.51 (AUC =0.765; 95% CI: 0.702–0.828, P<0.001) were effective cut-off points to determine the presence of CAD based on receiver operating characteristic curves.ConclusionsBased on this small case-control study, sgp130 and B/T ratio in the IL-6-neutralizing sIL-6R-sgp130 buffer system may be promising biomarkers for CAD diagnosis and assessments of coronary stenosis severity in postmenopausal women.

Association of vitamin D status with coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women.

The relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels has emerged. Postmenopausal (PM) women are at increased risk of CAD and vitamin D (VitD) deficiency.To investigate the relationship between CAD and VitD levels in PM women.This case–control study included 93 consecutive female patients aged 50 to 79 years old undergoing coronary angiography for evaluation of CAD and 119 age-matched controls. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were classed as adequate (serum 25(OH)D: ≥20 ng/mL); insufficient (serum 25(OH)D: 10 to <20 ng/mL); and deficient (serum 25(OH)D: <10 ng/mL). Major cardiovascular risk factors were also explored.CAD occurred in 67/127 (52.8%) patients with VitD deficiency; 21/66 (31.8%) patients that were VitD insufficient; and in 5/19 (26.3%) patients with adequate VitD levels. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that a deficiency of VitD increased CAD (odds ratio = 2.891; 95% confidence interval = 1.459–7.139, P < .001).VitD deficiency should be evaluated in PM women as a possible cause of CAD.

Hormone Therapy and Effects on Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease in Postmenopausal Women: Importance of Nomenclature.

Numerous observational studies have suggested that hormone therapy (HT) might protect postmenopausal women against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, because of the significant disparity between results, especially those between observational and randomized controlled trials (RCT), this postulate remains unproven. A significant contributing factor to these inconsistencies is the loose use of the generic definitions of estrogens and progestogens with most studies not delineating the clear differences between non-endogenous and endogenously identical (bioidentical) hormones, their molecular binding affinities and actions, and resultant metabolites. This is highlighted by the generalized terminological use of HT, which is often used to encompass significantly disparate hormonal formulations without clear demarcation. This has impacted and continues to significantly influence interpretations of data, meta-analyses, observational studies, etc., relevant to AD. To progress forward and allow unbiased interpretation, it is no longer acceptable to group HT formulations together as a homogenous group. This will also allow differentiation between compounds that exhibit beneficial actions and those that do not and whether these effects are specific or generalized. The role of the endogenous hormones, 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), in the development of sporadic AD in postmenopausal women is also examined.

Lipoprotein(a) Is Associated with the Presence and Severity of New-Onset Coronary Artery Disease in Postmenopausal Women.

Background: Lipid disorder was one of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in postmenopausal women, whose lipid profile significantly changed during the transition period to menopause. The aim of the present study was to examine whether plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] was a biomarker for predicting the presence and severity of CAD in postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 783 postmenopausal women who had their first angina-like chest pain were enrolled and classified into two groups according to the results of coronary angiography: CAD group (n = 309) and age-matched non-CAD group (n = 309). Patients with CAD were further divided into the three groups based on Gensini score (GS). The relationships of plasma Lp(a) levels to the presence and severity of CAD were evaluated, and the predictive value of Lp(a) for CAD was also examined. Results: CAD group had higher Lp(a) levels when compared to non-CAD ones (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that Lp(a) was an independent predictor for the presence of CAD (p < 0.001). Plasma levels of Lp(a) were significantly related to GS (p < 0.001). In addition, plasma Lp(a) level was significantly elevated according to the tertiles of GS (p = 0.001) and was independently associated with high GS (p < 0.001). In receiver-operating characteristic analysis for predicting the presence of CAD in postmenopausal women, Lp(a) was found to have the area under the curve of 0.703, with an optimal cutoff value of 255.69 mg/L. Conclusions: Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for predicting the presence and the severity of new-onset CAD in postmenopausal women, suggesting that Lp(a) may be a lipid target for prevention and treatment in such patients.

The potential effect of vitamin D against bone loss and vascular calcification in ovariectomized rats: possible association with serum nitric oxide.

Many epidemiological studies have shown an association between osteoporosis and peripheral vascular disease in postmenopausal women. This work was provided to investigate the possible effect of vitamin D against postmenopausal bone loss and vascular calcification in adult rats. This study was carried on 24 Sprague Dawley female rats. Rats were divided into four main groups (6 rats for each group). Group I : control sham-operated rats. Group II : sham operated rats treated with vitamin D . Group III : control ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Group IV : OVX rats treated with vitamin D. Ovariectomized rats were injected intraperitoneal with active vitamin D (calcitriol) 3 times a week for one month in the form of 0.04 μg/kg calcitriol. Serum level of estradiol, calcium, phosphorus and osteoblastic markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) were measured. Serum levels of lipid profile, parathormone and nitric oxide were also evaluated. The bone and the aortic wall were prepared for histopathological study. In comparisons to the ovariectomized rats, active vitamin D caused significant attenuation of the bone loss, biomechanical fragility and delayed the onset of vascular calcification in the aortic wall. Also it improved the lipid profile, serum nitric oxide levels and suppressed parathyroid hormone level. This work suggests that the administration of vitamin D has a beneficial effect on the bone quality and also on delaying the onset of aortic vascular calcification in ovariectomized rats. And suggests a possible association with serum nitric oxide.

Evaluation of the Frequency of Subclinical Thyroid Disease in Postmenopausal Women and its Relationship with Bone Mineral Density

Evaluation of the Frequency of Subclinical Thyroid Disease in Postmenopausal Women and its Relationship with Bone Mineral Density

Comparison of oxidative stress between premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Background: Menopause is a natural biological phenomenon during which irreversible changes in the hormonal and reproductive functions of the ovaries lead to physical, social, and psychological changes in women. The progressive loss of estrogen and its protective effects predisposes to the development of oxidative stress and related diseases in postmenopausal women which, in turn, can impair their quality of life. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study and compare the levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in premenopausal and postmenopausal females. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in 100 healthy women, of which 50 were postmenopausal in the age group of 50–60 years and 50 were premenopausal in the age group of 30–40 years. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18. Results: Oxidative stress was increased in postmenopausal women as evidenced by significantly elevated MDA and reduced SOD. Conclusion: Menopause is associated with oxidative stress which predisposes to the development of cardiovascular diseases, vasomotor disturbances, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes, and hypertension. Dietary management, antioxidant supplementation, and moderate physical activity would help them to prevent diseases related to menopause.

Estrogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of pseudoprotodioscin in atherosclerosis-prone mice: Insights into endothelial cells and perivascular adipose tissues

Pseudoprotodioscin (PPD), a phytoestrogen isolated from Dioscorea nipponica Makino, is recognized to possess anti-inflammatory and antiadipogenic capacities. However, little is known about the antiatherosclerotic effects of PPD and the underlying mechanisms. Here, the contribution of estrogen receptors (ERs) and inflammation to PPD-mediated amelioration of endothelial dysfunction has been fully assessed. PPD administration alleviated atherosclerotic lesions by lowering total cholesterol in ovariectomized apoE−/- mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. Molecular docking analysis suggested a selective interaction of PPD with ERα. Upon PPD treatment, ERα and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein levels were increased, whereas cell adhesion molecule and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA levels were suppressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after injury caused by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). These effects could be abolished by an ERα antagonist or a NOS inhibitor. Whereas, PPD can ERα-independently suppress TNFα expression in peritoneal macrophages upon LPS induction. Estrogen deficiency induced inflammatory phenotypes in perivascular adipose tissue (PAT), which could be partially attenuated by PPD. The increased release of adiponectin in PAT after PPD treatment is in accordance with previous reported data showing that adiponectin exerts anti-inflammatory effects in multiple cell types. ERα-dependent antiadipogenic effects of PPD were also detected in PAT-derived stromal cells. The present study reveals a novel mechanism through which PPD exerts estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties in atherosclerosis-prone mice. Thus, PPD is a promising compound which has potential therapeutic effects on atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.

Place of endocrine-metabolic disorders in the development of endometrium pathology in climacteric women

The results of a large number of studies indicate that the incidence of malignant transformation of hyperplasia endometrium increases significantly with age. Important in predicting the likelihood of hyperproliferative endometrial disease in postmenopausal women is a clear understanding of the causative factors that lead to pathological endometrium proliferation in the period of physiological decline of hormonal activity.Purpose of the study. To investigate the frequency and structure of somatic morbidity in women with hyperproliferative endometrial diseases in postmenopause and to determine the place of endocrine and metabolic disorders in the hyperproliferative pathology of endometrium development in this category of women.Materials and methods. Frequency and structure of extragenital morbidity, state of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, leptin, estrone, prolactin, sex steroid binding protein, thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine levels we analyzed in 98 postmenopausal patients with morphologically confirmed forms of hyperproliferative pathology of endometrium (83 patients with endometrial polyps, 8 women with endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, 7 women with endometrial hypertension with atypia), and in 30 postmenopausal women with no changes in endometrium.Study results. Patients with hyperproliferative diseases had a higher incidence of dyslipidemia (64.28 vs. 20%), obesity (43.87 vs. 6.6%), arterial hypertension (40.81 vs. 26.6%), hypothyroidism (34.69 vs. 10%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (18.36 vs. 3.3%) than in the control group (р &lt;0,05). Average levels of estrone, leptin, HOMA index were also higher, and sex hormone binding globulin level was lower.Conclusions. Postmenopausal women with hyperproliferative endometrial diseases are characterized by elevated levels of extragenital morbidity and metabolic disturbances that are more common in women with endometrial hyperplasia with/without endometrial atypia than in women with endometrial polyps. Therefore timely diagnosis and treatment of endocrine-metabolic disorders will help to reduce the hyperproliferative pathology of endometrium in postmenopausal women.

502P - Basic selective estrogen receptor degraders (B-SERDs) in combination with novel BET inhibitors in ER+ breast cancer

BackgroundResistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer drives mortality and despite new targeted therapies, resistance is the obstacle to progression-free survival. Fulvestrant (FUL), a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) was approved in 2017 for fırst-line therapy of metaststic disease in postmenopausal women; however, acquired FUL-resistance in both fırst-line setting and in combination therapy with CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, has been observed clinically. The poor pharmacokinetics of FUL may contribute to acquired resistance. MethodsUsing structure-based design, we optimized: 1) novel SERDs bearing a basic side chain (B-SERDs) as an orally bioavailable and brain penetrant alternative to FUL; 2) novel pyridinone-based bromodomains and extra-terminal motif (BET) inhibitors to be used in combination with B-SERDs or FUL. Biochemical assays and growth inhibition of breast cancer cell lines, resistant to tamoxifen, and/or FUL, both in 2D and 3D cultures were used to optimize and select development candidates. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics(DMPK) demonstrated oral bioavailability and dose selection for validation in mouse xenograft models of endocrine resistant breast cancer. ResultsB-SERDs showed equivalence to FUL in cell culture models, with respect to ERα degradation and antiproliferative activity; and in contrast to FUL, were demonstrated to have good oral and brain bioavailability. A development candidate with improved DMPK characteristics was effective in endocrine-resistant ER+ xenograft models. Novel BET inhibitors, optimized for potency in binding to BRD4-BD1 and selectivity over the larger family of bromodomain containing proteins, inhibited growth of tamoxifen and FUL-resistant breast cancer cells.Optimized compounds showed superior in vitro activity to eight BET inhibitors in clinical trials. The optimized BET inhibitor was validated alone and in combination with B-SERD in endocrine-resistant xenograft models. ConclusionsThe combination of B-SERD with BET inhibitor provides a multi-targeted suppression of ER signaling that may extend progression-free survival and cdircumvent acquired resistance in metastatic ER+ breast cancer. Legal entity responsible for the studyGregory R J Thatcher. FundingHas not received any funding. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Lack of association between early menopause and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in postmenopausal women

Background: The possibility of an association between early menopause and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is as yet unclear.Methods: The subjects consisted of 4354 postmenopausal women who participated in the 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Early, normal, and late menopause were defined as age at menopause <45 years, 45–54 years, and ≥55 years, respectively. NAFLD was defined by a hepatic steatosis index of >36.Results: When compared with normal menopausal women, early or late menopausal women had no significant differences in the odds ratios (ORs) of NAFLD: OR = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.83–1.32 and OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 0.75–1.39, respectively. These results remained similar after adjustment for known risk factors for NAFLD, reproductive factors, and comorbidities. The OR for NAFLD per 1-year increase in age at menopause was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.99–1.03; p = 0.329). The prevalence of advanced fibrosis was 2.1% (95% CI, 0.7–6.4%), 2.2% (95% CI, 1.3–3.8%), and 3.9% (95% CI, 1.2–12.2%) in early, normal, and late menopausal women, respectively.Conclusions: This study provides no evidence for an association of early menopause with NAFLD risk. However, NAFLD-related advanced fibrosis is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women.

Abstract 273: The Role of Estrogen in Protection of Skeletal Muscle Function in Diastolic Dysfunction

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is prevalent in elderly post-menopausal women. In addition to impaired cardiac relaxation and output, DD is associated with loss of skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength and function, and exercise capacity. Understanding the mechanisms of estrogen (E2)-mediated regulation of skeletal muscle structure and function in DD can have broader implications in understanding the progression of heart disease in post-menopausal women. In muscle, E2 regulates autophagy and mitophagy, processes that orchestrate degradation and recycling of damaged cellular components to maintain healthy tissue and conserve energy. However, this role of E2 under a physiological stress such as DD, is largely unknown. Our study aimed to understand the relationship between E2, autophagy/mitophagy and muscle function in DD. We hypothesized that estrogen receptor (ER) signaling plays a direct role in regulation of autophagy and mitophagy-mediated maintenance of muscle mass and muscle mitochondrial function in DD. Sham or ovariectomy (OVX) surgeries were performed to induce E2-deficiency, followed by induction of DD by administering hypertension agents L-NAME and angiotensin II. NMR analysis revealed significantly reduced total lean mass in OVX mice with DD, further confirmed by direct measurement of gastrocnemius muscle mass. Expression of ERα target-genes PDK4 and STAT3 were reduced in muscle of OVX mice with DD. DD significantly reduced LC3B II/I ratio in muscle, indicative of reduced autophagy. Consistent with this, expression of transcription factor FoxO3, a master-regulator of multiple autophagy and mitophagy genes, was reduced in OVX mice with DD compared to sham control mice. Expression of SDHA gene coding for mitochondrial respiratory chain subunit II, was reduced in sham and OVX mice with DD compared to sham control mice. Mitochondrial respiratory function measured from isolated muscle mitochondria, was reduced in sham and OVX mice with DD compared to sham control mice, and in OVX mice with DD compared to OVX control mice, indicating compromised skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. Our findings indicate that OVX-induced E2-deficiency and DD leads to muscle impairments, including defects in mitochondrial function.

Compositional and functional features of the female premenopausal and postmenopausal gut microbiota.

Endogenous estrogen deficiency accelerates many diseases in postmenopausal women, and gut microbes contribute to estrogen level modulation. However, the compositional alterations and influences of the gut microbiota in postmenopausal women remain uncertain. A metagenome-wide association study was performed to compare the gut microbiota of 24 premenopausal and 24 postmenopausal women. Firmicutes and Roseburia spp. are depleted, while Bacteroidetes and the toluene-producing genus Tolumonas are overrepresented in fecal samples from postmenopausal women. The pentose phosphate pathway is enriched in premenopausal women. Homocysteine synthesis-related processes are enriched in postmenopausal women. The gut microbiomes of premenopausal and postmenopausal women differ and produce different metabolites. The gut microbiome may be a therapeutic target to reduce risks and improve the quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Dietary intake of isoflavones is associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women: cross-sectional study.

Menopause has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It has been shown that isoflavones protect vascular endothelial cells against induced oxidative stress injury. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between the dietary intake of isoflavones and the presence of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women. Ninety-six postmenopausal women [mean (SD) age 55.2(4.9)years, body mass index (BMI) 27.2(4.6)kgm-2 ] completed the study protocol. Habitual physical activity was assessed using a digital pedometer, resting metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry and dietary intake was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire. Subclinical CVD was defined as carotid artery intima-media thickness (C-IMT) >0.9mm and/or the presence of one or more atherosclerotic plaques in any of the studied segments. Mean (SD) C-IMT was 0.74(0.2)mm, 25% of participants were found to have atherosclerotic plaques and the prevalence of subclinical CVD was 35%. Participants with subclinical CVD were more likely to consume less selenium, magnesium, folate and isoflavones, even after adjusting for total energy intake. A multivariate-adjusted regression model showed that a BMI >27kgm-2 was associated with 90% higher risk of having ≥1 plaque and/or C-IMT >0.9mm (P=0.017). Higher oestradiol levels (P=0.004) and isoflavone intake (P=0.021) were independently associated with a lower risk of having subclinical CVD. In the present study, we observed that a higher isoflavone dietary intake was associated with a lower risk of subclinical CVD in postmenopausal women, independent of BMI and endogenous oestradiol levels.

The relationship between hormone replacement therapy and periodontal disease in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2012

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and periodontal disease in postmenopausal women using data from the 4th and 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).MethodsThe study included data from 5,482 postmenopausal women aged 45–74 years in the 2007–2012 KNHANES. The use of female HRT for at least one month was reclassified as HRT+/HRT-. The Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) was used to assess periodontal status. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control selection bias, and factors affecting education, family income, and age of menopause were used as covariates in PSM. A chi-square test was used to confirm the bivariate relationship between the variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders (age, education, family income, body mass index, age of menopause, alcohol, smoking, dental clinic visits in the past one year, use of oral care products and frequency of tooth brushing per day).ResultsAfter adjusting for all covariates, HRT was associated with periodontal disease (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.66–0.94). In particular, the relationship between HRT and periodontal disease was more evident in those with menopause under 45 years of age disease (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.35–0.87).ConclusionsThe results of this study supported that it is important that hormone therapy be actively considered in the policy towards postmenopausal women. Especially, health programs such as hormone replacement therapy, non-smoking, and use of oral care products are needed for women who undergo premature menopause.

MiR-320a was highly expressed in postmenopausal osteoporosis and acts as a negative regulator in MC3T3E1 cells by reducing MAP9 and inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BackgroundPostmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), as a frequent disease in postmenopausal women, is mainly caused by the lack of estrogen. MiR-320a has been found to abate osteoblast function and induce oxidative stress before osteoporosis. However, studies on the downstream target gene and related signaling pathway of miR-320a in PMO are still obscure. This study aims to deal with these problems. MethodsThe expression levels of miR-320a and microtubule-associated protein 9 (MAP9) in patients with osteoporosis were analyzed on the basis of the GEO database. The cells viability was determined by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Flow cytometry and western blot were used to detect the cells apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, respectively. The cells differentiation-related proteins were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The interaction between miR-320a and MAP9 was predicted by biological software and verified by dual luciferase reporter assay and rescue assay. The expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT and p-AKT in MC3T3-E1 cells were assessed by western blot. ResultsWe observed that miR-320a was over-expressed in PMO patients and exhibited inhibitory effects on MC3T3-E1 cells activity and differentiation, as well as promoting effects on MC3T3-E1 cells apoptosis. MAP9 was verified as a target gene of miR-320a and was negatively regulated by miR-320a. Based on the GEO database, MAP9 was found to be lower expressed in PMO patients. Rescue assay demonstrated that down-regulation of MAP9 could alleviate the promoting effects of miR-320a inhibitor on MC3T3-E1 cells activity and differentiation and the inhibitory effects of miR-320a inhibitor on MC3T3-E1 cells apoptosis. Mechanically, miR-320a/MAP9 possibly took part in MC3T3-E1 cells viability, differentiation and apoptosis via mediating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. ConclusionsOur outcomes demonstrated that miR-320a promoted MC3T3-E1 cells apoptosis, suppressed MC3T3-E1 cells viability and differentiation through targeting MAP9 and modulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which provided theoretical support for miR-320a/MAP9 as promising targets for the treatment and prevention of PMO.

ASSOCIATION OF BONE MINERAL DENSITY WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN.

Osteoporosis (OP) is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The relationship between OP and COPD has been primarily studied in male patients, and few reports are available in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and COPD in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study included 133 clinically stable female ex-smokers with confirmed COPD, and 31 age-matched "ex-smoker" female controls. We analyzed groups according to their airway obstruction category. BMD was measured on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry images of the left femoral neck. Patients with COPD had lower T-scores and higher prevalence of osteopenia/OP than the control group. In the COPD group, the airway obstruction category was significantly associated with the T-score after adjustment for confounders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed COPD was an independent marker for increased risk of osteopenia/OP in postmenopausal women. COPD and airway obstruction category were strongly related to BMD. Postmenopausal women with COPD, especially those with severe airway obstruction, had a higher prevalence rate and a higher risk of osteopenia and OP than female controls without COPD.

The waist-to-hip ratio is a better obesity index than body mass index and waist circumference for screening for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in postmenopausal women

The waist-to-hip ratio is a better obesity index than body mass index and waist circumference for screening for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in postmenopausal women

Effects of Estrogen on Water Intake, Urine Volume, Sodium Excretion, and Blood Pressure During a Ten‐Day Angiotensin II Infusion Period in Ovariectomized Mice

Sex steroids play important roles in blood pressure regulation as well as in other physiological regulatory systems. Although estrogen replacement is thought to prevent or reduce cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, conflicting evidence exists as to whether or not estrogen reduces blood pressure. The main purpose of this study was to determine if estrogen administration reduces angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced increase in blood pressure in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Four‐week‐old CD‐1 OVX mice were purchased from Envigo Inc. (Indianapolis, IN) and placed in metabolic cages for a five‐day baseline period followed by implantation of an Alzet osmotic pump containing either vehicle or Ang II (1μg/kg/min) and either a placebo or 0.7 mg b‐estradiol (E2) pellet (Innovative Research of America, Sarasota, FL). Measurements were recorded daily in the five‐day baseline and ten‐day post‐implantation periods in three groups of mice: vehicle‐placebo (V‐P), Ang II‐placebo (Ang II‐P), and Ang II‐estrogen (Ang II‐E2) (n=4/group). Mice consumed standard chow and tap water ad libitum throughout the study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP, mmHg) was determined daily via the tail‐cuff technique (CODA, Kent Scientific, Torrington, CT). The delta SBP (baseline vs Ang II periods) was higher in Ang II‐P mice but not significantly different from the Ang II‐E2 mice: (33.1 ± 3.5 vs 24.5 ± 4.0, respectively). Additionally, these values were not significantly different from the delta SBP (30.5 ± 6.1) from intact female (IF) CD‐1 mice under the same Ang II conditions determined in a previous study (Rouch, A. el al. FASEB J, 2018, A 904.6). Using repeated‐measures ANOVA, we found significant effects of E2 on water intake (WI), urine volume (UV), and sodium excretion (UNaE) during the 10‐day post‐implantation period (no differences occurred in the baseline period). E2 appeared to prevent an Ang II‐induced increase in water WI (ml/day): (Ang II‐P vs AngII‐E2; 6.9 ± 0.5 vs 4.2 ± 0.2, p &lt; 0.001). E2 administration resulted in lower UV (ml/day): (Ang II‐P vs Ang II‐E2; 2.6 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.2, p&lt;0.03). E2 administration also resulted in lower UNaE (microEq/day): (Ang II‐P vs Ang II‐E2, 199.7 ± 10.8 vs 110.5 ± 20.7, p &lt; 0.003). We conclude that continuous E2 administration via the 0.7 mg E2 pellet affects WI, UV, and UNaE during a ten‐day Ang II infusion period in OVX CD‐1 mice. Moreover, neither the pellet‐induced E2 administration nor endogenous estrogen in IF mice affected the Ang II‐induced increase in blood pressure. Studies of longer duration with more mice/group are underway to investigate mechanistic differences due to E2.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of National Institutes of Health through Grant Number 8P20GM103447.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Prevalence of severe dry eye disease in postmenopausal women in North India: A teaching hospital study

Prevalence of severe dry eye disease in postmenopausal women in North India: A teaching hospital study - IJOGR- Print ISSN No: - 2394-2746 Online ISSN No:- 2394-2754 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/2394-2754.2019.0021, Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research-Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res