Factors In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Coffee consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of airflow limitation in postmenopausal women

BackgroundSeveral studies have suggested a potential correlation between menopause and airflow limitation. However, the presence of protective factors in postmenopausal women remains uncertain. Therefore, our study seeks to examine potential protective factors associated with a reduced prevalence of airflow limitation among postmenopausal women. MethodsPostmenopausal women were recruited from the Taiwan Biobank for this cross-sectional study. Airflow limitation was defined by a forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.7. The participants were categorized into two groups: non-coffee drinkers and coffee drinkers, and the association between coffee consumption and airflow limitation was examined using binary logistic regression models. ResultsA total of 8149 women with available information were enrolled. Compared to the non-coffee drinkers, the coffee drinkers had a significantly lower prevalence of airflow limitation (7% vs. 5%). The odds ratio (OR) for airflow limitation was lower in the coffee drinkers than in the non-coffee drinkers (OR = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63 to 0.94) after adjusting for confounding factors. We also examined the association between daily coffee consumption in cups and airflow limitation. The women who consumed ≥2 cups of coffee per day had an OR of 0.74 (95% CI = 0.59 to 0.94) compared to those who did not consume coffee. ConclusionsOur results suggest that habitual coffee consumption is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of airflow limitation in postmenopausal women, warranting further prospective studies to explore possible causal effects and mechanisms.

THE IMPACT OF DAIRY CONSUMPTION ON WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS AND OBESITY RISK THROUGHOUT MENOPAUSE: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: The perimenopausal transition poses significant physiological changes and an elevated risk of obesity among women, with studies demonstrating weight gain and metabolic disruptions during this phase. Dairy products, recommended in the typical diet, remain contentious in their impact on weight despite their nutrient-rich composition. Our systematic review aims to address this uncertainty by synthesizing existing evidence on the association between dairy consumption, weight change, and obesity risk during the menopausal transition, shedding light on the nuanced effects of different dairy products and informing tailored dietary interventions for optimal health during this critical life stage. Method: The researchers in this study followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure that their work met the required standards. This was done to ensure the precision and reliability of the conclusions derived from the research. Result: This systematic review investigated final 20 articles. After looking at the titles and summaries, we found 10 papers that fit our criteria. At first, we excluded several articles because they were written in review style and case reports. But after reading the full papers carefully, we included five papers in our final analysis. These papers included analytical cohort, randomized, crossover study, and prospective study. Conclusion: In conclusion, incorporating yogurt into the diet may benefit perimenopausal women by reducing weight gain and obesity risk, but further investigation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, controlled-feeding studies showed limited effects of short-term consumption of 2 fat milk on cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity, raising questions about disparities with epidemiological findings associating dairy consumption with reduced risk of metabolic disorders. Longitudinal cohort studies found no evidence supporting the beneficial effects of dairy intake on bone health in middle-aged women, while higher total dairy intake, mainly from high-fat sources, was associated with less weight gain over time in women with normal BMI at baseline. Further well-powered trials are needed to comprehensively understand dairy's role in preventing weight gain and obesity across different life stages.

Effects of Prune (Dried Plum) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women: An Ancillary Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial, The Prune Study

BackgroundEstrogen withdrawal during menopause is associated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile. Prunes (dried plums) represent an emerging functional food and have been previously demonstrated to improve bone health. However, our understanding of the effects of daily prune intake on cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women is limited. ObjectivesWe conducted an ancillary investigation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), The Prune Study, to evaluate the effect of 12-mo prune supplementation on cardiometabolic health markers in postmenopausal women. MethodsThe Prune Study was a single-center, parallel-design, 12-mo RCT in which postmenopausal women were allocated to no-prune control, 50 g/d prune, or 100 g/d prune groups. Blood was collected at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo/post to measure markers of glycemic control and blood lipids. Body composition was assessed at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo/post using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the effect of time, treatment, and their interaction on cardiometabolic health markers, all quantified as exploratory outcomes. ResultsA total of 183 postmenopausal women (mean age, 62.1 ± 4.9 y) completed the entire 12-mo RCT: control (n = 70), 50 g/d prune (n = 67), and 100 g/d prune (n = 46). Prune supplementation at 50 g/d or 100 g/d did not alter markers of glycemic control and blood lipids after 12 mo compared with the control group (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, gynoid percent fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) indices did not significantly differ in women consuming 50 g/d or 100 g/d prunes compared with the control group after 12 mo of intervention. However, android total mass increased by 3.19% ± 5.5% from baseline in the control group, whereas the 100 g/d prune group experienced 0.02% ± 5.6% decrease in android total mass from baseline (P < 0.01). ConclusionsPrune supplementation at 50 g/d or 100 g/d for 12 mo does not improve glycemic control and may prevent adverse changes in central adiposity in postmenopausal women.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02822378.

Bone mass, fracture risk, and associated factors in postmenopausal women living with HIV.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of low bone mass (osteopenia/osteoporosis), the factors associated with low bone mass, and the risk of fractures in Brazilian postmenopausal women living with HIV (WLH) in the Amazon region. This is a cohort study with a cross-sectional assessment at baseline conducted between March 2021 to August 2022 with 100 postmenopausal WLH undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 45 and 60 years of age and 100 age-matched HIV-negative women. Data on bone mineral density in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) were collected using dual x-ray absorptiometry and the 10-year risk of hip and major osteoporotic fractures was assessed using the Fracture Risk Assessment tool (FRAX). The age of menopause onset occurred earlier in WLH ( P < 0.001). No differences in prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in LS and FN were observed except for a lower T score in FN in WLH ( P = 0.039). The FRAX for major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture were low in both groups, despite the mean of both FRAX scores was higher in WLH ( P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that years since menopause onset, higher body mass index and higher FRAX major osteoporotic fracture were associated with the WLH group, while a higher frequency of physical activity was registered in the HIV-negative group. Multivariate analysis also showed that in WLH, a lower T score in FN was associated with years since menopause onset and body mass index and that the number of years since menopause onset was associated with a lower T score in the LS and a higher score in the FRAX hip fracture. Our findings show a high prevalence of low bone mass (osteopenia/osteoporosis) in Brazilian postmenopausal women from the Amazon region. Women living with HIV have higher FRAX scores than HIV-negative women and a lower T score in the FN.

Moderate intensity walking exercises reduce the body mass index and vascular inflammatory factors in postmenopausal women with obesity: a randomized controlled trial

Postmenopause, the secretion of female hormones changes, causing excessive fat accumulation in the body and leading to chronic inflammation, which increases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Walking is an easily accessible daily exercise and effective non-pharmacological treatment for reducing obesity and the incidence of CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate intensity walking exercises on body composition, vascular inflammatory factors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in postmenopausal women with obesity. Twenty-six older postmenopausal women with obesity (ages 68–72) were randomly assigned to control (n = 12, BMI 26.06 ± 1.37) or exercise (n = 14, BMI 26.04 ± 1.94) groups. Following a 12-week moderate intensity walking exercise program, we measured the participants’ body composition with an InBody S10 analyzer and assessed blood sera using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. There was a significant clustering by weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.01), percentage body fat (p < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.05), interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.05) being significantly decreased in the exercise group. Although VEGF levels did not change significantly, a tendency to increase was observed in participants that exercised. Our results indicate that walking exercise may help prevent CVD in postmenopausal women with obesity by reducing obesity and vascular inflammatory factors.

The Impact of Testosterone Therapy on Cardiovascular Risk Among Postmenopausal Women.

To summarize the current state of knowledge surrounding the impact of testosterone therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. In this scoping review, a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted in adherence to a methodological framework comprising 4 distinct stages: conceptualizing a comprehensive search strategy, screening relevant publications, extracting pertinent data, and organizing and synthesizing the resultant findings. The search used electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar, to ensure an exhaustive survey of the available literature. The database search yielded 150 articles, including systematic reviews, registered trials, and peer-reviewed studies, of which 48 duplicates were removed. Following the title/abstract screening, 36 publications were included in the full-text review. On completion of the full-text review, using the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 29 articles were excluded and 7 remained for data extraction and qualitative synthesis. Existing research provides promising insights into the benefits of low-dose testosterone therapy, typically combined with estrogen therapy. These benefits may include positive impacts on body composition, functional capacity, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory markers, and cholesterol. However, there remains a substantial lack of knowledge surrounding the effects and mechanisms behind testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women in relation to its impacts on cardiovascular risk. High-quality, evidence-based clinical intervention research is needed to investigate testosterone therapy's potential implication on cardiovascular risk factors in post-menopausal women.

Cervical sample-taking in the primary health service

In Norway, approximately 360000 cervical screening samples were taken in 2020, of which 11000 were registered as inadequate. We therefore wished to investigate doctors' knowledge of cervical sample-taking in the primary health service. An anonymous survey on cervical sample-taking was sent by email to around 4700 members of the Norwegian College of General Practice in September 2021. Of the 1039 doctors who responded to the survey, 820 (79%) reported that they always indicate the reason for taking the sample in the requisition form, and 898 (86%) reported that they avoid taking a sample during menstruation. Only one in three doctors (343) correctly indicated the location of the squamocolumnar junction in postmenopausal women. In response to a question aimed at users of the ThinPrep method, which is particularly sensitive to sampling errors, 426 out of 697 (61%) answered that they either avoid using a lubricant or use a water-based lubricant, while only 35% of the doctors responded that they stop taking the sample if bleeding occurs. The results show that although many doctors have satisfactory knowledge, a continuous focus on cervical sample-taking is essential. Correct sampling and knowledge of anatomical factors in postmenopausal women may be significant for reducing the number of inadequate samples.

Is bone mineral density a prognostic factor in postmenopausal women with luminal A breast cancer?

Several studies are concerned about the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, but it is controversial. Therefore, we evaluated whether BMD might be a risk factor for recurrences, or metastases in menopausal luminal A breast cancer patients. In this retrospective study, data of 348 patients with luminal A breast cancer who received treatment at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: normal BMD and low BMD including osteopenia or osteoporosis in preoperative examination. Patients were also divided into three groups according to BMD changes: no change in BMD; improvement in BMD, and deterioration in BMD. Events were defined as recurrence, occurrence of contralateral breast cancer, and metastasis to any other organ. Preoperative examination revealed normal BMD in 129 of 348 patients and low BMD in 219 patients. During a median follow-up period of 78 months, only 14 patients (4.0%) experienced recurrences, distant metastases, or occurrences of contralateral breast cancer. Five-year disease-free survival rate was 98.2% for 219 patients with low BMD and 95.0% for 129 patients with normal BMD (P=0.33). Disease-free survival at 5 years was 97.0% for the no change in the BMD group, 94.6% for the BMD improvement group, and 98.4% for the BMD deterioration group (P=0.79). In this study, BMD had no statistically significant associations on recurrences, metastases, or incidences of contralateral breast cancer in postmenopausal patients with luminal A breast cancer.

Correlates of serum estradiol concentration among postmenopausal women in Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria.

There are limited data on the associated factors of circulating endogenous estradiol among Nigerian postmenopausal women. The main objective of this study is to assess the relationship between serum estradiol levels and some menstrual, clinical, and sociodemographic factors in postmenopausal women attending a family medicine clinic in Nigeria. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 372 postmenopausal women. Sociodemographic, menstrual, and clinical data of the participants were collected, and their serum estradiol concentrations were assayed. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 statistical software. A χ2 test of association and logistic regression analysis were done to identify significant correlates of serum estradiol concentration among the participants. The mean ages at menarche and menopause among the participants were 15.6 and 48.1 years respectively. Approximately half of them (51.1%) were receiving chronic medical care for systemic hypertension and/or diabetes. The mean estradiol concentration of the participants in the study was 20.69 pg/mL. The participants' marital status and clinical presentation pattern (chronic vs others) were found to have statistically significant associations with their serum estradiol concentration; P = 0.048 and P = 0.001, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only the clinical presentation pattern had a significant relationship with serum estradiol concentration among the participants ( P = 0.002). Of all the studied factors, the only significant correlate of low serum estradiol concentration found in this study was chronic medical care presentation for hypertension and/or diabetes.

The Association of Thyroid Volume with Framingham Risk Score and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

The Association of Thyroid Volume with Framingham Risk Score and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

A Cross-sectional Study on Vitamin D Levels, Body Mass Index, Physical Activity Level and Life-style Factors in Postmenopausal Women

A Cross-sectional Study on Vitamin D Levels, Body Mass Index, Physical Activity Level and Life-style Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Can the evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women prolong life?

Can the evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women prolong life?

Effects of exercise training on metabolic syndrome risk factors in post-menopausal women – A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Alterations in the hormonal profiles as women transition to the menopause predisposes individuals to the metabolic syndrome (MetS). In post-menopausal women, this can be exacerbated by sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity. Physical activity can convey many health benefits including improvement in MetS risk factors. However, it remains to be elucidated how differing exercise intensities and its mode of delivery can ameliorate MetS risk factors and resultant progression amongst post-menopausal women. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects and efficacy of exercise training on MetS risk factors in post-menopausal women. Database searches using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted from inception to December 2021 for randomised controlled studies (RCTs) investigating exercise training (>8 weeks) in at least one of the MetS risk factors in post-menopausal women. Utilising the random-effects model, appropriate standardised mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for each MetS risk factor were used to calculate the overall effect size between the exercise and control groups. Sub-group analyses were performed for exercise intensity, modality, and duration for each risk factor. Meta-regression was performed for categorical (health status) and continuous (body mass index) covariates. 39 RCTs (40 studies) involving 2132 participants were identified as eligible. Overall, the meta-analysis shows that exercise training significantly improved all MetS risk factors: waist circumference (WC) [MD:-2.61cm; 95% CI:-3.39 to-1.86cm; p<0.001; 21 studies]; triglycerides (TG) [SMD:-0.40mmol/L; 95% CI:-0.71 to-0.09mmol/L; p=0.01; 25 studies]; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) [SMD: 0.84mmol/L(95% CI: 0.41-1.27mmol/L; p<0.001; 26 studies]; fasting glucose (BG) [SMD:-0.38mmol/L (95% CI:-0.60 to-0.16mmol/L; p<0.001; 20 studies]; systolic blood pressure (SBP) [MD:-5.95mmHg (95% CI:-7.98 to-3.92mmHg; p<0.001; 23 studies]; and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [MD:-4.14mmHg (95% CI:-6.19 to-2.08mmHg; p<0.001; 23 studies]. Furthermore, sub-group analyses identified that moderate intensity and combined exercise training significantly improved MetS risk factors (p<0.05) except for HDL, with combined exercise being the most effective. Long duration (≥12 weeks) training also significantly improved MetS risk factors except for TG. Meta-regression revealed no moderating effects on any MetS risk variables. This study reinforces the importance of regular physical activity as a non-pharmacological tool in the reduction of MetS risk in post-menopausal women, with significant metabolic improvements seen in interventions spanning 8-10 weeks. Moderate intensity and combined training significantly benefitted abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, dysglycaemia and hypertension in post-menopausal women. Improvements in at least one MetS risk were also seen with other exercise modalities and intensities.

Sociodemographic, Anthropometric, Body Composition, Nutritional, and Biochemical Factors Influenced by Age in a Postmenopausal Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Postmenopausal aging has become relevant for understanding health during the transition life stages-the aging process being involved in several disturbances of the human condition. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between postmenopausal aging and sociodemographic, anthropometric, body composition, nutritional, and biochemical (i.e., protein and lipid profiles, phosphorous-calcium metabolism, and antioxidant status) factors in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study enrolled 78 healthy postmenopausal women (44-76 years). The anthropometrical data showed no differences by age. Biochemical parameters, especially those involved in the protein and phosphorous-calcium metabolism, were influenced by age in our cohort of postmenopausal women. In contrast, no associations were found when considering lipid and antioxidant parameters. Height, fiber intake, blood glucose, protein profile and phosphorous-calcium metabolism markers seem to be the most affected nutritional-related factors by age in our cohort of healthy postmenopausal women. Primary prevention strategies focused on parameters at risk of disruption with postmenopausal aging are necessary to ensure the quality of life in older ages.

Mini-Trampoline Jumping as an Exercise Intervention for Postmenopausal Women

Background: Mini-trampoline jumping is a highly beneficial low-impact aerobic exercise capable of potentially improving female-specific health risk factors. Objectives: The aim of this research was to examine the benefits of a 3-month mini-trampoline exercise intervention on bone health and pelvic floor muscles functioning in postmenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy postmenopausal women were recruited and participated in the 12-week mini-trampoline exercise intervention. Baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up assessments included bone health, pelvic floor muscles functioning, and urinary incontinence. Results: Bone mineral density increased significantly at postintervention compared with the control group. The exercise group demonstrated decreased stress urinary incontinence scores at postintervention, with the difference being statistically significant at follow-up. No significant differences were found for the cough assessment or urge urinary incontinence scores. Conclusion: A mini-trampoline exercise intervention has the potential to improve female-specific health risk factors in postmenopausal women.

Analysis of correlations between gut microbiota, stool short chain fatty acids, calprotectin and cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women with obesity: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMicrobiota and its metabolites are known to regulate host metabolism. In cross-sectional study conducted in postmenopausal women we aimed to assess whether the microbiota, its metabolites and gut barrier integrity marker are correlated with cardiometabolic risk factors and if microbiota is different between obese and non-obese subjects.MethodsWe analysed the faecal microbiota of 56 obese, postmenopausal women by means of 16S rRNA analysis. Stool short chain fatty acids, calprotectin and anthropometric, physiological and biochemical parameters were correlates to microbiome analyses.ResultsAlpha-diversity was inversely correlated with lipopolysaccharide (Rho = − 0.43, FDR P (Q) = 0.004). Bray–Curtis distance based RDA revealed that visceral fat and waist circumference had a significant impact on metabolic potential (P = 0.003). Plasma glucose was positively correlated with the Coriobacteriaceae (Rho = 0.48, Q = 0.004) and its higher taxonomic ranks, up to phylum (Actinobacteria, Rho = 0.46, Q = 0.004). At the metabolic level, the strongest correlation was observed for the visceral fat (Q < 0.15), especially with the DENOVOPURINE2-PWY, PWY-841 and PWY0-162 pathways. Bacterial abundance was correlated with SCFAs, thus some microbiota-glucose relationships may be mediated by propionate, as indicated by the significant average causal mediation effect (ACME): Lachnospiraceae (ACME 1.25, 95%CI (0.10, 2.97), Firmicutes (ACME 1.28, 95%CI (0.23, 3.83)) and Tenericutes (ACME − 0.39, 95%CI (− 0.87, − 0.03)). There were significant differences in the distribution of phyla between this study and Qiita database (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsMicrobiota composition and metabolic potential are associated with some CMRF and fecal SCFAs concentration in obese postmenopausal women. There is no unequivocal relationship between fecal SCFAs and the marker of intestinal barrier integrity and CMRF. Further studies with appropriately matched control groups are warranted to look for causality between SCFAs and CMRF.

Mediatory role for irisin/BDNF signaling in the protective effects of combined MSROM and aerobic training against metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women

Mediatory role for irisin/BDNF signaling in the protective effects of combined MSROM and aerobic training against metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women

Postmanopozal kadınlarda osteoporoz bilgi düzeyi ve ilişkili faktörler

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of osteoporosis and related factors in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 326 postmenopausal women. A questionnaire, including Osteoporosis Knowledge Test and questions related with sociodemographic data, variables like chronic disease history, alcohol and cigarette smoking habits, gynecological-obstetric history, was applied by researchers with face to face interview to all of the participants. Results: The mean age of the participants was 59.0±10.1 years. Mean total knowledge score was 15.4±4.9; mean osteoporosis exercise knowledge score was 9.5±3.5 and mean osteoporosis calcium knowledge score was 10.6±3.3. It was found that mean total osteoporosis knowledge score, exercise and calcium knowledge scores was significantly high in participants with high educational level, non smokers. Similarly, the mean of these three scores was found to be significantly higher in participants with a history of abortion and corticosteroid use for more than 3 months. Osteoporosis knowledge score was significantly increased with menarche and menopause age. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was thought that the knowledge of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is not sufficient, and it will be beneficial to protect and improve public health by identifying groups that may have low level of knowledge and providing health education. Keywords: Osteoporosis, menopause, level of knowledge

Comparison of aerobic exercise and cupping methods on serum levels of fibrinogen, LDL and HDL as cardiovascular disease factors in postmenopausal women

Background: Menopause is a clinically significant period of time characterized by changes in ovarian hormone, vasomotor symptoms, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). One of the main causes of heart attacks is changes and imbalance of the homeostasis system. Sedentary lifestyle and aging also have adverse effects on the homeostasis system. One of the treatment methods that has been used for many years in the treatment of many diseases is Iranian-Islamic medicine. Therefore, in this study, the effect of cupping and aerobic exercise on LDL, HDL and fibrinogen was investigated Materials and Methods: A total of 30 inactive postmenopausal women with an age range of 50 to 65 participated in this quasi-experimental study. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: aerobic exercise, cupping therapy, and control group. Aerobic exercises with an intensity of 50 to 75% of heart rate reserve were performed three times a week for 6 weeks and the cupping group was cupped in the third week. Blood samples were taken to measure fibrinogen, LDL, and HDL before the start of the training period and 48 hours after the end of the last training session. Then, an analysis of covariance was used for intergroup comparisons. Also, the pre- and post-test were analyzed using paired t-test at a significance level of &lt;0.05. Results: Aerobic exercise and cupping showed a significant decrease in fibrinogen (P = 0.04) and LDL (P = 0.001) and an increase in LDH (P = 0.003). Paired t-test results showed a significant decrease in fibrinogen, LDL and HDL post-test compared to pre-intervention post-test. Conclusion: Cupping therapy and aerobic physical activity are effective factors in reducing the levels of fibrinogen and LDL and increasing HDL in postmenopausal women. According to the results, exercise may have better effects on decreasing fibrinogen and blood lipids, as the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, compared to cupping therapy.

Plasma homocysteine levels and handgrip strength in postmenopausal women

Objective This study evaluated handgrip strength (HGS), circulating homocysteine levels and related factors in postmenopausal women. Methods This study is a sub-analysis of a prospective cohort of 303 postmenopausal women aged 62.7 ± 6.9 years who had HGS measures with a digital dynamometer as the primary outcome, and plasma homocysteine and creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures as the secondary outcomes. Results The average HGS was 22.5 ± 4.0 kg, 29.4% of women had dynapenia (HGS < 20 kg), adiposity was 40.3 ± 5.4% and 9.57% of women had hyperhomocysteinemia (homocysteine >15 μmol/l). There were no differences between tertiles of homocysteine and HGS (p = 0.641). Plasma homocysteine levels were unrelated to HGS (r = −0.06) and correlated with age (r = 0.17), GFR (r = −0.28) and creatinine (r = 0.23). Hyperhomocysteinemia was not associated with HGS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89; 1.08]) or dynapenia (OR = 1.10 [95% CI: 0.45; 2.47]). The risk of presenting low HGS were not significantly associated with homocysteine (OR = −0.08 [95% CI: −0.21; 0.06]) and were associated with age (OR = −0.23 [95% CI: −0.29; −0.17]), adiposity (OR = −6.52 [95% CI: −9.53; −3.50]) and creatinine (OR = 6.22 [95% CI: 2.48; 9.97]). Conclusions HGS and dynapenia were unrelated to hyperhomocysteinemia. Age, GFR and creatinine were significantly associated with plasma homocysteine levels.