Inflammation In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A1 ratios are associated with bone homeostasis imbalance caused by chronic inflammation in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Emerging evidences demonstrated that chronic inflammation can influence bone metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), leading to bone homeostasis imbalance. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations between novel pro-inflammatory indexes like monocyte to high-density lipoprotein (MHR), apolipoprotein A1 (MAR) ratios and bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers in Chinese postmenopausal women with T2DM. Method: In this study, a total of 619 participants with complete data were included in the final analysis. Demographic and anthropometric information was collected. Biochemical parameters and bone turnover markers were determined by standard methods. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Correlation analysis and regression models were conducted to assess the associations between MHR, MAR and bone turnover markers, BMD. Multiple binomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the independent variables of MHR and MAR for osteoporosis. Results: Overall, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 38.3%. MHR and MAR were significantly correlated with C-terminal cross linking of type I collagen (β-CTX), L1-L4, femoral neck BMD and T scores. These correlations remained significant after adjustment for other confounding factors. Meanwhile, MHR and MAR were also significantly associated with higher odds of osteoporosis, the odds ratios (ORs) (95%CI) were 1.88 (1.49-2.38) and 2.30 (1.72-3.09) respectively. Furthermore, MHR and MAR seemed to have a good identifying value for osteoporosis. The area under the curve of MHR and MAR identifying osteoporosis were 0.791 (95% CI: 0.753-0.828) and 0.843 (95% CI: 0.809-0.877) respectively (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off values of MHR and MAR were 4.53 × 108/mmol (sensitivity: 60.8%, specificity: 85.9%) and 4.74 × 108/g (sensitivity: 71.7%, specificity: 89.3%) respectively. Conclusion: MHR and MAR were significantly associated with osteoporosis. These two novel pro-inflammatory indexes may be ideal markers to reflect bone homeostasis imbalance caused by chronic inflammation in Chinese postmenopausal women with T2DM.

The effects of raloxifene on endothelial function and Inflammation in Postmenopausal women: A Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Raloxifene treatment has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular benefits if prescribed to women during the postmenopausal period. However, a final conclusion regarding this hypothesis has not yet been achieved. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of raloxifene on the endothelial function and inflammation in postmenopausal women. We systematically searched the following 4 databases from inception to 23 January 2021 without any language restrictions: Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Embase and Scopus. The eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effects of raloxifene on the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), C-reactive protein (CRP), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin levels, were included in the final meta-analysis. A total of 16 RCTs were included in the final analysis. Raloxifene administration had no significant effect on ICAM-1 and E-selectin levels. However, we observed a decrease of the CIMT (WMD: -0.071mm, 95% CI: -0.09 to -0.04, P=0.000), CRP (WMD: -0.342mg/L, 95% CI: -0.591, -0.094, p=0.007), and VCAM-1 (WMD: -197.90mg/L, 95% CI: -269.58 to -126.23, P=0.000) levels in the intervention versus control groups following the prescription of this pharmacological agent. Moreover, raloxifene treatment resulted in a significant elevation of the FMD (WMD: 1.64%, 95% CI: 0.46 to 2.81, P=0.006), particularly if the intervention was equal to or exceeded 12weeks. Raloxifene might emerge as a potential therapeutic option in the management of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in postmenopausal women.

The Association of Serum Osteocalcin Levels with Metabolic Parameters and Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

Introduction: Although adipose tissue largely plays a role in the etiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS), which is an inflammatory process, the skeleton may also contribute to this process through osteocalcin (OC), which is a bone-derived protein. In this study, we aimed to evaluate OC levels in postmenopausal women with MS and to investigate the association of OC levels with the metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Methods: Thirty-five postmenopausal women diagnosed with MS were recruited for the study. Sixteen postmenopausal women without any of the MS criteria formed the control group. Body weight, height, and waist and hip circumference of all of the subjects were measured and body mass indices (BMIs) were calculated. Levels of serum glucose, insulin, C-peptide, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and as inflammatory parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were studied from fasting venous blood samples of all the subjects. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Serum total OC levels were studied from all of the subjects. Bone mineral densities were also measured. Results: Serum OC levels of the group with MS median (5.37 ng/mL) were lower than the OC levels of the group without MS (P < 0.01). Serum OC levels significantly and negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose (r = -0.310, P < 0.05), insulin (r = -0.343, P < 0.05), and HOMA-IR (r = -0.384, P < 0.01) values. Serum OC levels showed a significant and negative correlation with body weight (r = -0.293, P < 0.05), BMI (r = -0.333, P < 0.05), and waist-to-hip ratio (r = -0.384, P < 0.05). The inflammatory markers in the patient group were significantly higher than the control group. We found a negative association between serum OC levels and hsCRP levels in all cases (r = -0.283, P < 0.05). Conclusion: In the presence of MS, OC levels are significantly low and display a close association with glucose metabolism and adipose tissue. In addition, OC may play a regulatory role in subclinical systematic inflammatory response.

A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of the Effects of Soy Intake on Inflammatory Markers in Postmenopausal Women

BackgroundElevated concentrations of serum inflammatory cytokines, specifically TNF-α and IL-6, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), are commonly observed after menopause. ObjectivesBecause soy isoflavones may have some anti-inflammatory potential, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to explore whether soy intake affects serum markers of inflammation in postmenopausal women. MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to August 2020. All RCTs that met the following criteria were included: 1) studies of the effects of soy intake on inflammatory markers; 2) any date of publication; 3) conducted on postmenopausal women; 4) with sufficient quantitative data for meta-analysis. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% CIs. A total of 24 RCTs assessing the effects of soy intake on serum concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were included in the analysis. A random-effects model was used to determine the overall effect. ResultsSoy supplementation significantly reduced CRP by 0.11 mg/L in postmenopausal women (95% CI: −0.22, −0.004 mg/L; P = 0.0414), but did not affect IL-6 or TNF-α. Significant reductions in CRP concentration occurred when natural soy products were given (WMD: −0.23 mg/L; 95% CI: −0.29, −0.17 mg/L; P < 0.001). This is equivalent to a ∼9% reduction in CRP concentration from baseline. ConclusionsAlthough our meta-analysis found evidence that soy products significantly reduce CRP concentrations in postmenopausal women, the mechanisms by which soy foods and their constituents affect inflammatory biomarkers still need to be clarified.This systematic review was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020179232.

Effect of Regular Taekwondo Self-Defense Training on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Markers in Postmenopausal Women

We aimed to investigate the effect of a 12-week Taekwondo self-defense training course on oxidative stress and inflammation in postmenopausal women. Sixteen middle-aged women participated and were randomized into two groups: a control group (CG, n = 8) and a Taekwondo self-defense training group (TSDG, n = 8). The TSDG was trained for 60 min, four times per week, for 12 weeks. Following the Taekwondo training intervention, side-step was significantly higher in the TSDG than in the CG (p < 0.001). Malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower after the intervention than before in the TSDG (p < 0.01). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were also significantly higher after the intervention than before in the TSDG (p < 0.001). After the Taekwondo training intervention, SOD levels were significantly higher in the TSDG than in the CG (p < 0.01). Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels were significantly lower after the intervention than before in the TSDG (p < 0.05). After the Taekwondo training intervention, TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the TSDG than in the CG (p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that Taekwondo self-defense training is an effective exercise that improves agility, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in postmenopausal women.

The effect of Cornus mas extract consumption on bone biomarkers and inflammation in postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial.

The drastic decrease in estrogen levels in menopausal women can elevate bone resorption and osteoporosis. Cornus mas extract (C. mas extract) is a potential candidate for treating menopausal-related bone complications because of its phytoestrogen and anti-inflammatory contents. It was an interventional double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study. Eighty-four women aged 45-60 years old were randomly allocated to either the extract group receiving 3 capsules of 300 mg C. mas extract or the placebo group receiving 3 capsules of 300 mg of starch powder per day for 8 weeks. Then, venous blood was used to measure bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptide (TC) as well as serum levels of PTH and hsCRP. Our results indicated the decrease in alkaline phosphatase, PTH, and as an inflammation biomarker, hsCRP, between two groups at the end of the study. No statistically significant difference was observed in telopeptide C, osteocalcin, and calcium between the placebo and extract groups after 8 weeks of intervention. In conclusion, the results indicate that the C. mas extract supplement of 900 mg/day may decrease levels of BAP, PTH, and hsCRP. However, this intervention had no beneficial effect on OC and TC in healthy postmenopausal women.

Effects of soy isoflavone on cardiac dysfunction in geripause-like rats: comparisons with hormone-replacement therapy

Background Cardiovascular diseases are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease as well as inflammation in postmenopausal women is higher than premenopausal women. Objective The present study investigated cardiac dysfunction elicited by estrogen deprivation and aging and assessed a possible beneficial impact of isoflavones compared with estradiol-replacement therapy. Materials and methods Forty aged female rats were equally divided into four groups. Except for sham-operated animals in group 1 (negative control), all other rats were ovariectomized. One month after surgery, animals were assigned to groups 3 and 4. Rats in the former group were treated with 17β-estradiol, 100 μg/kg, intramuscular, every other day. Animals in group 4 were administered soy isoflavones (SIF), 40 mg/kg/day orally. Treatments continued for 1 month. Results and conclusion Compared with control rats, ovariectomized animals showed cardiac dysfunction and inflammation evidenced by dyslipidemia and elevated serum creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, angiotensin II, cardiac malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, and serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels. These impacts were concurrent with significant decreases in cardiac catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity. Treatment with SIF was more effective in mitigating inflammation and cardiac dysfunction compared with estradiol-replacement therapy. Histopathological examination of heart tissues supports these biochemical findings. SIF are a safe and well-tolerated alternative to estradiol for improving cardiac dysfunction elicited by menopause and age.

Association between subclinical atherosclerosis, bone mass and biochemical markers of inflammation in postmenopausal women

Background and Aims: to study the association pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI), intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques (ASP) with bone mineral density (BMD) and inflammation markers: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

RELATIONSHIP OF BONE MINERAL DENSITY AND VASCULAR WALL CONDITION WITH BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF INFLAMMATION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Objective: to investigate the correlation of bone mass, the parameters of vascular stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis with biochemical markers of inflammation in postmenopausal women. Subjects and methods. The cross-sectional investigation included 98 patients aged 45–82 years who were followed up in the outpatient setting and signed an informed consent. The investigation did not include patients with any clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, malignant neoplasms, with diseases causing secondary osteoporosis, as well as with the presence of symptoms of acute bacterial or viral infections and an exacerbation of chronic diseases, who took drugs affecting bone metabolism and vascular stiffness. C-reactive protein (CRP) level was determined by a high-sensitive immunoturbidimetric assay using carboxylated polystyrene particles. interleukin (IL)-6 concentration was measured by an enzyme immunoassay. The intima-media thickness (IMT), the presence and number of atherosclerotic plaques (ASP) were studied with duplex scanning. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AI) were measured by applanation tonometry using a SphygmoCor device (AtCor Medical Pty. Ltd., Sydney, Australia). Lumbar spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD) was determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results and discussion. There was an increase in the parameters of vascular stiffness, subclinical atherosclerosis, and CRP level and a decrease in bone mass with a longer length of menopause. The vascular stiffness parameters, including IMT (r=0.26; p&lt;0.05), AI (r=0.25; p&lt;0.05), the presence of ASP (r=0.24; p&lt;0.05), and PWV (r=0.23; p&lt;0.05), directly correlated with CRP level. A negative correlation was found between LI–IV BMD and CRP (r=-0.31; p&lt;0.05). The probability of detecting increased IMT with a high CRP level was increased by 2.64 times, ASP by 3.18 times, and low BMD by 2.4 times. There was no association of bone mass, and the parameters of subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular stiffness with IL-6. Conclusion. Lower bone mass and the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women were associated with increased vascular stiffness and the presence of signs of subclinical atherosclerosis, and with a high level of CRP, which allows one to discuss the common mechanisms for development of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis, as well as the involvement of chronic inflammation in them.

C-reactive protein gene rs1205 polymorphism is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation in postmenopausal women

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in postmenopausal women, and inflammation is a key mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been used as a biomarker of inflammation. Considering that CRP gene rs1205 polymorphism has been associated with hs-CRP circulating levels, we evaluated whether rs1205 genotypes influence the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation, acting as a marker of cardiovascular risk.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study with biobanked blood samples from 327 postmenopausal women with no evidence of clinical disease. Genotyping for rs1205 C > T SNP of the CRP gene was done by real-time polymerase chain reaction with allelic discrimination assays.ResultsMean age was 55.6 ± 5.6 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.3 ± 4.7. Participants were divided according to hs-CRP levels: ≥3 mg/l (low-grade chronic inflammation) or < 3 mg/l. The frequency of allele C at rs1205 was 74.2% in the hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/l group vs. 59% in the hs-CRP < 3 mg/l. In a multivariable model, higher prevalence of hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/l was associated with CC genotype (PR 1.53; 95%CI 1.07–2.18; p = 0.018) and waist circumference ≥ 88 cm (PR 2.45; 95%CI 1.66–3.60; p < 0.001).ConclusionsCRP rs1205 CC homozygotes may be at higher risk of a low-grade chronic inflammatory status compared to individuals carrying the T allele.

The Effect of Habitual Fat Intake, IL6 Polymorphism, and Different Diet Strategies on Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women with Central Obesity.

The hypothesis that habitual fat intake, the IL6 genotype, the Mediterranean diet or the central European diet for 16 weeks affect biomarkers of inflammation in centrally obese postmenopausal women, was tested in a randomized controlled trial. Dietary intake was assessed using a three-day food diary. Lipid parameters were measured using a Beckman Coulter AU analyzer. Transcription of TNF and IL6 genes was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using real-time PCR. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL6) were measured with ELISA. rs1800795 polymorphism of IL6 was analyzed using hydrolyzing probes. Higher energy intake from fat was associated with higher IL6 levels (p < 0.05). Significantly (p < 0.01) lower total cholesterol (T-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were observed in the GG IL6 rs1800795 genotype group. Both diets significantly (p < 0.001) decreased TNFα concentrations. Neither IL6 gene transcription levels nor blood IL6 concentrations were affected by them. Our findings confirm that habitual fat intake may affect inflammation. The rs1800795 IL6 polymorphism alone did not significantly affect body weight or body composition in aimed group, but C-allele carriers had higher levels of T-C and LDL-C. This polymorphism did not affect inflammation. Both diets may lead to a decrease in TNFα concentration.

N-acetylcysteine and alpha-lipoic acid improve antioxidant defenses and decrease oxidative stress, inflammation and serum lipid levels in ovariectomized rats via estrogen-independent mechanisms

Sexual hormone deficiency has been associated with metabolic changes, oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapies are effective in many instances, even though some patients either do not respond or are not eligible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of short- (15 days) versus long-term (60 days) sexual hormone depletion and whether antioxidant supplementation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid (LA) improves oxidative stress, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Short-term OVX rapidly depleted circulating estrogen, causing uterine atrophy and body weight gain without affecting oxidative damage, inflammatory and lipid metabolism markers. In contrast, long-term OVX augmented oxidative damage in serum and peripheral tissues as well as increased serum total cholesterol, TNF-α and IL6 levels. Triglycerides, glucose and HDL cholesterol were not altered. Long-term OVX-induced oxidative stress was associated with depletion of GSH and total non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as decreased activity of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione Reductase (GR), but not Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). NAC and LA supplementation prevented GSH and total non-enzymatic antioxidants depletion as well as restored GPx and GR activities, TNF-α, IL6 and cholesterol in OVX rats. NAC and LA effects appear to be independent on NRF2 activation and estrogen-like activity, since NAC/LA did not promote NRF2 activation and were not able to emulate estrogen effects in OVX rats and estrogen-receptor-positive cells. The herein presented data suggest that NAC and LA may improve some deleterious effects of sexual hormone depletion via estrogen-independent mechanisms.

Understanding the relation between socioeconomic position and inflammation in post-menopausal women: education, income and occupational prestige.

The role of occupational prestige, a direct measure of the perceived status of job and job holder, in inflammation is unknown. To contribute to understanding the pathways by which socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with inflammation, we aimed to estimate the direct effects of education, income and occupational prestige on C-reactive protein (CRP) and to describe the relationship between these markers and CRP. The study was based on 2026 post-menopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative-Observational Study. Occupational prestige was determined by linking a text description of longest held occupation with a social status item from the Occupational Information Network. Path analysis was employed to estimate direct and mediated effects. The study suggests that higher levels of education, income, and occupational prestige are associated with 8% (95% CI as percentage change -12, -4), 5% [95% CI (-8, -2) and 4% (95% CI - 7, -1)] lower levels of CRP, respectively. The inverse association between education and CRP was explained by the effect of education on income and occupational prestige. The effect of occupational prestige on CRP was independent of mediators in the model. The findings indicate that education may work to influence CRP primarily through increasing income and occupational prestige and provides evidence that occupational prestige captures a unique aspect of SEP.

Effects of resistance training and estrogen replacement on adipose tissue inflammation in ovariectomized rats

Estrogen deficiency is directly related to central obesity and low-grade inflammation. Hormonal replacement and exercise training are both able to decrease fat accumulation and inflammation in postmenopausal women. However, the efficiency of resistance training (RT) and estrogen replacement (ER) in minimizing adiposity and inflammation in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of ovariectomized (OVX) rats has not yet been elucidated. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following 6 groups: sham-operated sedentary (Sham-Sed), OVX-Sed, Sham-RT, OVX-RT, OVX-Sed-ER, and OVX-RT-ER groups. ER was performed by implanting silastic capsules containing 17β-estradiol. For RT, the animals were required to climb a 1.1-m vertical ladder with conical flasks containing weights attached to their tails for 12 weeks. Histological analyses were used to evaluate morphological changes. Gene expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and protein concentrations were determined using Multiplex/Luminex assays. Ovariectomy increased the body mass (BM), adipocyte area, and inflammation in the VAT, the latter of which was indicated by reduced interleukin-10 (48%) and increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentration (∼3%). RT efficiently decreased BM, adipocyte area, and inflammation in the OVX groups. The combination of RT and ER decreased BM (19%) and the TNF-α concentration (18%) and increased the gene and protein expression levels of adiponectin (173% and 18%). These results indicate that RT and the combination of RT and ER are efficient strategies for reducing the BM and improving the inflammatory status of OVX rats.

Comparative Analysis of Salivary Alkaline Phosphatase in Post menopausal Women with and without Periodontitis.

Alkaline phosphatase is an intracellular destruction enzyme in the periodontium, and it takes part in the normal turnover of the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and root cementum formation and maintenance. The aim of this case control study was to evaluate the enzyme Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) level in saliva of post menopausal women with and without chronic periodontitis. In this study, 40 individuals, satisfying the study inclusion and exclusion criteria, were recruited. They were categorically divided, on the basis of gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level, into two groups: Group I (post menopausal women with a clinically healthy periodontium, n=20); and Group II (post menopausal women with generalized chronic periodontitis, n=20). Clinical parameters assessed were Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and Probing Pocket Depth (PPD). Unstimulated salivary samples were obtained in which the ALP concentration was measured using p-Nitrophenylphosphate, and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol reagents in Beckman and Coulter, AU 480 auto analyser. Mann-Whitney U test was used to find statistical difference with respect to all clinical parameters such as PI, GI, CAL, PPD and salivary ALP levels. The mean ALP in saliva was found to be higher in Group II compared to Group I and the difference was statistically significant with the p-value of 0.008. A noteworthy increase in the ALP concentration was seen in saliva in our study (Group II) may be due to increased periodontal inflammation in post menopausal women. Thus salivary ALP can be taken as an additional biomarker to early diagnosis, development and progression of periodontitis especially among post menopausal women.

Patient Sex, Reproductive Status, and Synthetic Hormone Use Associate With Histologic Severity of NonalcoholicSteatohepatitis.

Sex and sex hormones can affect responses of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic stress and development of hepatocyte injury and inflammation. We collected data from 3 large U.S. studies of patients with NAFLD (between October 2004 and June 2013) to assess the association between histologic severity and sex, menopause status, synthetic hormone use, and menstrual abnormalities in 1112 patients with a histologic diagnosis of NAFLD. We performed logistic or ordinal logistic regression models, adjusting for covariates relevant to an increase of hepatic metabolic stress. Premenopausal women were at an increased risk of lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and Mallory-Denk bodies than men and also at an increased risk of lobular inflammation and Mallory-Denk bodies than postmenopausal women (P < .01). Use of oral contraceptives was associated with an increased risk of lobular inflammation and Mallory-Denk bodies in premenopausal women, whereas hormone replacement therapy was associated with an increased risk of lobular inflammation in postmenopausal women (P < .05). Being a premenopausal woman or a female user of synthetic hormones is associated with increased histologic severity of hepatocyte injury and inflammation among patients with NAFLD at given levels of hepatic metabolic stress.

Resveratrol attenuates peripheral and brain inflammation and reduces ischemic brain injury in aged female mice

Resveratrol is known to improve metabolic dysfunction associated with obesity. Visceral obesity is a sign of aging and is considered a risk factor for ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on inflammation in visceral adipose tissue and the brain and its effects on ischemic brain injury in aged female mice. Mice treated with resveratrol (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) for 10 days showed reduced levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as a reduction in the size of adipocytes in visceral adipose tissue. Resveratrol also reduced interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α protein levels and immunoglobulin G extravasation in the brain. Mice treated with resveratrol demonstrated smaller infarct size, improved neurological function, and blunted peripheral inflammation at 3 days postischemic stroke. These results showed that resveratrol counteracted inflammation in visceral adipose tissue and in the brain and reduced stroke-induced brain injury and peripheral inflammation in aged female mice. Therefore, resveratrol administration can be a valuable strategy for the prevention of age-associated and disease-provoked inflammation in postmenopausal women.

Dried Plum Consumption Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and menopause significantly raises risk in women. Abnormal blood lipids, inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease development. Dried plums contain bioactive components that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects and therefore may be beneficial in reducing CVD risk. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dried plum consumption on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity and inflammation in postmenopausal women. Another goal was to determine if a moderate dose of 50 g/day is equally effective to a high dose (100 g/day). A 6‐month controlled clinical trial was conducted in which 48 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 50 or 100 g of dried plum each day. Serum lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory biomarkers and liver function enzyme activities were analyzed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of intervention. No significant differences in outcome variables were detected between the 50 g and 100 g dried plum groups at any time point, so data from the two dried plum groups were combined. At 3 and 6 months, total cholesterol (p=0.037), lipid peroxidation (p=0.031) and interleukin‐6 (p=0.046) were significantly lower in the combined dried plum group compared to the control group. Total antioxidant capacity (p=0.036), superoxide dismutase (p=0.038) and catalase (p=0.05) activities were significantly greater after dried plum consumption at 3 and 6 months compared to the control group. Additionally, serum levels of the liver function enzymes alanine transaminase (p=0.001), alkaline phosphatase (p=0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.038) and creatine kinase (p=0.044) were significantly lower at 3 and 6 months in the dried plum groups than the control group. These findings indicate that consumption of 50–100 g of dried plum per day improves CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women as exhibited by lower total cholesterol, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded by San Diego State University, the Kasch‐Boyer Endowed Scholarship in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, and the California Dried Plum Board.

Effect of resistance training on muscular strength and indicators of abdominal adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation in postmenopausal women: controlled and randomized clinical trial of efficacy of training volume.

This study evaluated the effect of resistance training (RT) volume on muscular strength and on indicators of abdominal adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation in post-menopausal women (PW). Thirty-two volunteers were randomly allocated into the following three groups: control (CT, no exercise, n=11), low-volume RT (LV, three sets/exercise, n=10), and high-volume RT (HV, six sets/exercise, n=11). The LV and HV groups performed eight exercises at 70% of one maximal repetition, three times a week, for 16weeks. Muscular strength and indicators of abdominal adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation were measured at baseline and after 16weeks. No differences were found in baseline measures between the groups. The PW showed excess weight and fat percentage (F%), large waist circumference (WC), high waist-hip ratio (WHR), and hypercholesterolemia and borderline values of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%). Following the RT, a similar increase in muscle strength and reduction in F% from baseline were found in both trained groups. In HV, a decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-c, WC, and WHR was noted. Moreover, the HV showed a lower change (delta%) of interleukin-6 (IL-6) when compared to CT (HV=11.2%, P 25-75=-7.6-28.4% vs. CT=99.55%, P 25-75=18.5-377.0%, p=0.049). In LV, a decrease was noted for HbA1c%. There were positive correlations (delta%) between WHR and IL-6 and between IL-6 and TC. These results suggest that while a low-volume RT improves HbA1c%, F%, and muscular strength, a high-volume RT is necessary to improve indicators of abdominal adiposity and lipid metabolism and also prevent IL-6 increases in PW.

A Novel Dietary Intervention to Reduce Chronic Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women

A Novel Dietary Intervention to Reduce Chronic Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women