Factors In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Lithogenic factors in postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fracture.

The aim of this study was to show the presence of phosphorus and calcium metabolism disorders and the presence of urine lithogenic factors in women with osteoporotic fracture without previous urinary lithiasis. We conducted a cross-sectional study including 55 women with osteoporotic fracture surgically treated in the Trauma Department. We included women with osteoporotic fracture demonstrated by the fracture area, fracture mechanism and the presence of osteoporosis by bone densitometry. We analyzed phospho-calcium metabolism as well as the calciuria, oxaluria, citraturia and uricosuria levels with fasting and 24-hour urine study. The presence of abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism was compared between women with hypercalciuria and normocalciuria. The 55 women had a mean age of 70.1±13.8 years and a mean body mass index of 27.9±3.8 kg/m2. Forty-percent of the patients showed hypercalciuria, 36.4% hyperoxaluria, 36.4% hypocitraturia, and 5.3% hyperuricosuria. When comparing patients with hypercalciuria and normocalciuria, the only statistically significant difference was fasting urinary calcium/creatinine levels (0.16 versus 0.08, respectively; P<0.0001). Women with osteoporotic fracture showed several lithogenic factors in the urine studies, mainly fasting hypercalciuria. Although in this study hypercalciuria did not involve the presence of lithiasis, it can favor the appearance of lithiasis with other predisposing conditions. Therefore, an accurate assessment of urine calcium levels with other lithogenic factors, such as citrate and oxalate levels, may facilitate individualized management and treatment of osteoporosis without increasing the risk of nephrolithiasis.

The association of plasma IGF-I with dietary, lifestyle, anthropometric, and early life factors in postmenopausal women

ObjectiveHigher circulating concentrations of insulin like growth factor (IGF-I) are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between circulating IGF-I concentrations and dietary factors (intakes of protein, dairy protein, and alcohol), lifestyle factors (smoking and HT use), anthropometric indices (height and adiposity) and factors in early life (birth weight, having been breastfed, body size at age 10, and at age 20) in postmenopausal women in the UK. DesignAn analysis of plasma IGF-I concentrations (measured by immunoassay) in 1883 postmenopausal women. Multivariate analysis was used to examine correlates of plasma IGF-I concentrations. ResultsWomen in the highest quintile of total protein and dairy protein intakes had, respectively, 7.6% and 5.5% higher plasma IGF-I concentrations than women in the lowest quintile (p trend <0.05 for both). Other factors significantly (p<0.05) associated with reduced IGF-I concentrations were: consuming 14 or more vs 3–7 alcoholic drinks per week (8.8% lower IGF-I); current vs non-current HT users (9.9% lower IGF-I); current use of oestrogen alone vs oestrogen+progestagen (16.9% lower IGF-I); obese vs overweight (6.8% lower IGF-I); and women who reported wearing larger vs smaller clothes sizes at age 20 (4.9% lower IGF-I). ConclusionsThis study in post-menopausal women identified several potentially modifiable determinants of circulating IGF-I concentrations. There is now strong evidence from this and other studies that IGF-I concentrations are associated with dietary protein intakes.

Estrogen receptor alpha polymorphisms, estradiol level, and occurrence of atherosclerosis risk factors in healthy postmenopausal women.

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between interaction of polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor alpha gene (Erα) and estradiol (E2), and the occurrence of selected atherosclerosis risk factors in postmenopausal women without the diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease.Material/MethodsThe study covered 210 women, a minimum of 2 years after menopause, with FSH >30 mlU/ml, aged 50–60 years, with no chronic diseases diagnosed. In the women examined, the levels of estradiol, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined, as well as height, waist circumference (W), hip circumference (R), and arterial hypertension. The BMI and W/H ratio were calculated.Genotyping of the ER-α polymorphism was performed using a polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzymes (PCR-RFLP). The alleles of the XbaI polymorphism were defined as A and G: heterozygote AG, wild type GG and homozygote AA. The alleles of PvuII polymorphism were defined as T and C: heterozygote TC, homozygote TT, and wild type CC.ResultsThe concentration of endogenous estradiol and ERα XbaI and PuvII polymorphisms as independent parameters did not significantly affect the BMI, waist circumference, W/H ratio, levels of CHOL, HDL, LDL, TG, or LDL/HDL, nor the systole and diastole in the postmenopausal women in the study.ConclusionsThe presented study suggests that ERα XbaI AA polymorphism may intensify the beneficial effect of estradiol on the distribution of fatty tissue after menopause; ERα XbaI GG and PuvII TC genotypes may intensify the beneficial effect of estradiol on HDL level; ERα PuvII TT genotype unfavorably modifies the relation between concentration of estradiol and systolic pressure after menopause.

Evaluation of pain associated with chronic venous insufficiency in Spanish postmenopausal women.

Menopause status has been associated with an increase in venous diseases and lower limb-related symptoms. The purpose of our study was to evaluate pain associated with chronic venous insufficiency and its risk factors in postmenopausal women. A controlled cross-sectional study was performed in 139 postmenopausal women with chronic venous insufficiency and 40 control women. Pain was assessed with a visual analogue scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the Pain Matcher (Cefar Medical AB, Lund, Sweden). The influence of several demographic and clinical risk factors was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. Women in the chronic venous insufficiency group had significantly higher pain intensity and significantly lower pain threshold (P = 0.001) than the control group. The level of pain was independently and significantly associated with venous refill time and osteoarthritis index scores. It was not associated with other risk factors or with disease severity according to the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological classification. Venous pain is a consistent symptom in postmenopausal women with chronic venous insufficiency, in whom nociceptive thresholds are generally decreased. Reduced physical activity, venous reflux, and osteoarthritis seem to influence pain level in chronic venous insufficiency.

Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk in Women

Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk in Women

Association between quality of the diet and cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women.

BackgroundClimateric is a phase of women’s life marked by the transition from the reproductive to the non-reproductive period. In addition to overall weight gain, the menopause is also associated with the increase of abdominal fat. We used The Healthy Eating Index as a summary measure to evaluate the major components and the quality of women’s diet after the onset of the menopause. This study aims at examining the association between the quality of the diet and cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women.MethodsCross-sectional study including 215 postmenopausal women attending a public outpatient clinic. The 24-hour dietary recall method was used to assess the food intake and to establish the Healthy Eating Index. Diets were then classified as appropriate diet (>80 points), diet “requiring improvement” (80–51 points), and poor diet (<51 points). Cardiometabolic risk factors included abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The Fisher’s exact test was utilized for the Statistical analysis.ResultsThe analysis of the food intake showed that the average daily intake of lipids (36.7%) and sodium (2829.9 mg) were above the recommended. Only 8.8% of the women performed moderate or intense physical exercises on a regular basis. The diet was considered poor in 16.3%, “requiring improvement” in 82.8%, and appropriate for only 0.9% of the women. The study detected increased waist circumference in 92.1% of the participants. The mean concentration of triglycerides was of 183.3 mg/dl, and 130.7 mg/dl for cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein).ConclusionWomen consume a low quality diet, possibly due to the low intake of vegetables and fruits and excessive consumption of sodium. These inappropriate eating habits are associated with and, have a negative impact on the cardiometabolic risk factors such as abdominal obesity.

Longitudinal association of anthropometric measures of adiposity with cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women

PurposeSome studies suggest that anthropometric measures of abdominal obesity may be superior to body mass index (BMI) for the prediction of cardiometabolic risk factors; however, most studies have been cross-sectional. Our aim was to prospectively examine the association of change in BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), and waist circumference-to-height ratio (WCHtR) with change in markers of cardiometabolic risk in a population of postmenopausal women. MethodsWe used a subsample of participants in the Women's Health Initiative aged 50 to 79 years at entry with available fasting blood samples and anthropometric measurements obtained at multiple time points over 12.8 years of follow-up (n = 2672). The blood samples were used to measure blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides at baseline, and at years 1, 3, and 6. We conducted mixed-effects linear regression analyses to examine associations at baseline and longitudinal associations between change in anthropometric measures and change in cardiometabolic risk factors, adjusting for covariates. ResultsIn longitudinal analyses, change in BMI, WC, and WCHtR robustly predicted change in cardiometabolic risk, whereas change in WHR did not. The strongest associations were seen for change in triglycerides, glucose, and HDL-C (inverse association). ConclusionIncrease in BMI, WC, and WCHtR strongly predicted increases in serum triglycerides and glucose, and reduced HDL-C. WC and WCHtR were superior to BMI in predicting serum glucose, HDL-C, and triglycerides. WCHtR was superior to WC only in predicting serum glucose. BMI, WC, and WCHtR were all superior to WHR.

Quality of Sleep and Its Related Factors in Postmenopausal Women in West Tehran

Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 700 healthy volunteer women aged 50 to 60 years, who were in postmenopausal period for at least 1 year. The participants were interviewed after obtaining informed consents. The study questionnaire covered two main aspects of personal characteristics and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data was analyzed using SPSS 14 software. Results: The frequency of sleep disturbance was 62.5%. A significant association was found between sleep disturbance and characteristics of occupation, education, financial status and husband’s profession. There were no significant association between sleep disturbance and other personal characteristics, such as age, partner’s age, number of children, family size and consumption of tea, coffee or cola. Conclusion: Sleep disturbance is common in menopausal women. Appropriate interventions based on sleep-related personal characteristics should be performed to improve sleep quality, which is very important for maintaining the quality of life.

Abstract 427: Carotid Disease in Postmenopausal Women Correlates with Cardiac Hypertrophy and Ageing

Background: The atherosclerotic carotid disease is characterized by thickening of the intima-media of the vascular wall (IMT), which is considered as a reliable predictor of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate a relationship between IMT and nonatherosclerotic cardiac and vascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. Methods: Left and right carotid IMT, plaque score and resistive index (common, external and internal carotid RI), left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and ascending aorta diameter were determined by echography. Results: Women’s and men’s age was normally distributed with mean(SD) of 71(11) and 68(11), respectively. Left and right carotid IMTs were strongly correlated to each other (Spearman's r = 0.71 in women and 0.89 in men, p &lt; 0.001). Only the right IMT was correlated with the plaque score at both sexes (Spearman's r = 0.36 in women and 0.37 in men, p = 0.01). The carotid resistive indexes had no significant relationship with the C-IMTs. The LV wall thickness and the ascending aorta diameter had a significantly positive correlation with the right IMT in women (Spearman's r = 0.31 and 0.31, p &lt; 0.05) but not in men. The carotid RIs had a significantly positive association with age in both sexes (Spearman's r ranging between 0.30 and 0.56, p &lt; 0.05). However, right IMT, LV thickness and aortic diameter were positively correlated with age only in women (Spearman's r = 0.33, 0.40 and 0.26 respectively, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: These data demonstrate that nonatherosclerotic risk factors are associated with higher IMT in women but not in men. The synergic action of these factors may contribute to a worse carotid deterioration in postmenopausal women.

Association of anthropometric measures and hemostatic factors in postmenopausal women: A longitudinal study

Background and aimsObesity has been associated with increased levels of hemostatic factors. However, few studies have compared change in different anthropometric measures of adiposity in relation to change in levels of hemostatic factors. Our aim was to examine prospectively the association of change in body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), and waist circumference-height ratio (WHtR) with change in markers of hemostasis in a population of postmenopausal women. Methods and resultsA subsample of women in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) cohort had fasting blood samples and anthropometric measurements obtained at multiple time points over 12.8 years of follow-up. Of these, we studied the 2593 women who were not in the intervention arm of any WHI clinical trial. Their blood samples were used to measure plasma fibrinogen, factor VII antigen activity, and factor VII concentration at baseline, and at years 1, 3, and 6. We conducted mixed-effects linear regression analyses to examine the longitudinal association between change in anthropometric factors and change in hemostatic factors, adjusting for a wide range of potential confounding factors.In longitudinal analyses using repeated measures, change in BMI, WC, and WHtR were all positively associated with change in all 3 hemostatic factors. Change in anthropometric variables was most strongly associated with change in fibrinogen. ConclusionsOur results suggest that an increase in adiposity over time is robustly associated with increased levels of hemostatic factors.Registration number of clinical trial: NCT00000611.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity classifications and cardiometabolic risks in older women

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) with cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women. 149 volunteers (67.17±6.12 years) underwent body composition assessment using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and had analyzed blood samples collected for lipid profile, glucose metabolism and C-reactive protein (CRP). Sarcopenia was defined as an appendicular fat-free mass (AFFM) divided by height squared ≤5.45kg/m2 while SO was classified based on the residuals of a regression. Waist circumference (WC) and arterial blood pressure were also measured. Student's t-tests and correlations were used for analyses. Prevalence of sarcopenia and SO were respectively 16.8 and 21.5%. WC was significantly correlated with all the examined risk factors. AFFM relative to height squared was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), CRP, insulinaemia, HOMA score, and those classified as sarcopenic presented lower HOMA score when compared to nonsarcopenic. Regarding SO, although volunteers classified presented significantly higher fat mass (FM) and lower AFFM, it was not observed association with the examined risk factors. These findings support the association between WC and cardiometabolic risk factors in older women. In contrast, the approaches used to define sarcopenia and SO are not associated with cardiometabolic impairments.

Hypovitaminosis D and Associated Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Given the relevance of vitamin D in calcium metabolism homeostatic control, as well as its role as differentiation and cell proliferation modulator, it is important to study its circulating level in patients considered at risk, in order to develop prevention strategies. We studied 77 postmenopausal women with no history of osteoactive drug therapy, corticosteroid intake or diseases that could alter bone metabolism, attending the Menopause Center at the Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Rosario, Argentina. A medical history was taken, and a food consumption frequency questionnaire was applied in order to estimate daily calcium intake. To assess daily physical exercise, work and sports activities were investigated. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25(OH)D were measured, and a hip DXA scan was performed in every patient. An inappropriate level of 25(OH)D was observed in 86.3% of patients. The 25(OH)D average value was found within the insufficiency range (<30 ng/ml) whereas PTH average concentration fell within the normal range, and bone mineral density average value was found within the osteopenic category. A statistically significant negative logarithmic association was observed between serum PTH level and vitamin D status (p = 0.01). Mean 25(OH)D concentration among patients who had reported fractures was significantly lower than the corresponding to women who had not suffered this type of event. Patients with vitamin D deficiency had significantly wider mean Cobb angle; higher sum of wedge angles of T4 - T12 vertebral bodies mean values, and higher uncompromised vertebrae wedge angle values than non-deficient women. This study shows high hypovitaminosis D occurrence among these postmenopausal women.

Effect of Phytoestrogen on Lipid Profile and Haemostatic Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Effect of Phytoestrogen on Lipid Profile and Haemostatic Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Fall Risk related Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the risk of falling associated with postmenopausal women and to identify the relationships between this risk and factors such as lifestyle, metabolic syndrome, and bone mineral density. Methods: The sample was 128 postmenopausal women between 50 and 65 from one menopausal clinic in an urban city. The Risk Assessment for Falls Scale Ⅱ, developed by Glydenvand and Reinboth (1982) and adapted by Park Young-Hye (2003), was modified and used for this study. Results: The average fall-risk score in postmenopausal women was 7.2 out of 33, the fall-risk score associated with lifestyle was higher in women exposed to stress frequently or who favored spicy or salty foods. The fall-risk score associated with metabolic syndrome was higher in groups with HBP or with a waist circumference of 80cm or greater. The fall-risk score in groups with three or more factors of metabolic syndrome was the highest. Conclusion: The risk of fall in postmenopausal women was higher in groups with only elementary education, unemployed, reported two or more chronic diseases or reported frequent exposure to stress and for women who preferred spicy or salty foods or exhibited three or more factors of metabolic syndrome.

Effects of Two Intensities of Whole Body Vibration on Fall Related Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Effects of Two Intensities of Whole Body Vibration on Fall Related Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women Loss of lean tissue mass, bone mineral density (BMD), and postural stability are common with aging. Each of these factors can contribute to an increased risk of falls or fracture. For women, these issues are particularly troubling since the incidence of fracture is approximately twice as high in women as compared to men. One nontraditional intervention suggested to address risks for falling has been the use of whole body vibration (WBV). However, the best training protocol or intensity for use with whole body vibration has not been established.

Beneficial effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on glycemia and homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

ObjectiveMetabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women is an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity, especially stroke and coronary heart disease and mortality. Preventing and treating MetS would be useful in preventing disability and promoting normal aging. Previous human studies have found some beneficial effects of Lactobacillus species on some isolated parameters of MetS. Nevertheless, we are not aware, to date, of any study which has verified the influence of probiotics in patients with MetS. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of fermented milk with L. plantarum in the classical parameters related to MetS, as well as in other parameters related to cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. MethodsTwenty-four individuals were paired by age, ethnicity, and body mass index in two groups: Non-fermented milk (NFM = 12) 80 mL/d and fermented milk (FM = 12) 80 mL/d. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, biochemical, inflammatory, and immunologic biomarkers were measured. ResultsTotal cholesterol and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase had a significant reduction both in NFM (P = 0.043 and P = 0.036, respectively) and FM groups (P = 0.010 and P = 0.018, respectively) after 90 d, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a significant reduction in NFM group (P = 0.002) and trend in the FM group (P = 0.092). Glucose and homocysteine levels showed a significant reduction in the FM group compared with the NFM group (P = 0.037 and P = 0.019, respectively). In relation to inflammatory biomarkers, there was a significant decrease in interleukin-6 both in NFM (P = 0.032) and in FM (P = 0.001) groups. ConclusionFM with L. plantarum showed more favorable results than NFM in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with MetS.

The 60- and 70-kDa heat-shock proteins and their correlation with cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

We investigated the association between circulating levels of 60 and 70kDa heat-shock proteins (HSP60 and 70) and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). This cross-sectional study included 311 Brazilian women (age ≥45years with amenorrhea ≥12months). Women showing three or more of the following diagnostic criteria were diagnosed with MetS: waist circumference (WC) ≥88cm, blood pressure ≥130/85mmHg, triglycerides ≥150mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) <50mg/dl, and glucose ≥100mg/dl. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were collected. HSP60, HSP70, antibodies to HSP60 and HSP70, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in serum. Student's t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square test, and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. Of the 311 women, 30.9% (96/311) were diagnosed with MetS. These women were, on average, obese with abdominal fat deposition and had lower HDL values as well as higher triglycerides and glucose levels. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistant (HOMA-IR) test values in these women were compatible with insulin resistance (P < 0.05). CRP and HSP60 concentrations were higher in women with MetS than in women without MetS (P < 0.05). HSP60, anti-HSP70, and CRP concentrations increased with the number of features indicative of MetS (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between anti-HSP70 and WC, blood pressure and HOMA-IR, and between CRP and WC, blood pressure, glucose, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides (P < 0.05). In postmenopausal women, serum HSP60 and anti-HSP70 concentrations increased with accumulating features of the metabolic syndrome. These results suggest a greater immune activation that is associated with cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

Hyperuricemia is independently associated with endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between uric acid, endothelial function and cardiovascular risk factors and to investigate whether menopausal status was associated with the relationship...

Ischemic heart disease risk factors in postmenopausal women

Purpose: To assess risk factors of ischemic heart disease in women with surgical menopause. Methods: 141 women with surgical menopause were included in the investigation. All of them underwent general clinical examination, body mass index (BMI) calculation, measurement of waist circumference, menopausal index evaluation, ambulatory blood pressure and electrocardiogram monitoring (Cardiotens-01, Meditech, Hungary), determination of general cholesterol, lipid fractions and glucose tolerance. We also measured the level of non-etherized fatty acids and glycerol in blood serum.

Healthier Dietary Pattern and Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Physically Active Postmenopausal Women

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between habitual physical activity and dietary intake, body composition, metabolic and hormonal variables, and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 105 women (mean age: 55.2 ± 4.9 years) consulting for climacteric symptoms underwent anthropometric and hormonal assessment. Usual dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire and habitual physical activity was assessed with a digital pedometer. Participants were classified as physically inactive (<6000 steps daily) or physically active (≥6000 steps daily). Results: Compared to the inactive group, active women had higher protein, total fat, cholesterol, iron, calcium, and the antioxidant micronutrients zinc and selenium intake as well as differences on food groups: higher meat, egg, and whole-dairy intake and lower intake of chips. Active participants also presented lower diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.012), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP; p = 0.011), fasting glucose (p = 0.003), fasting insulin (p = 0.019), and homeostasis model assessment index (p = 0.017). After adjustment for age and time since menopause, the risk for metabolic syndrome increased with physical inactivity (odds ratio [OR] = 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–11.66), us-CRP (OR = 6.57, 95% CI, 2.20–19.56), and percentage body fat (OR = 5.65, 95% CI, 1.19–28.89). Conclusion: Both physical activity and dietary choices may have contributed toward a more favorable cardiovascular profile and lower risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.