Markers In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Association between vaginal microbiota and vaginal inflammatory immune markers in postmenopausal women.

In premenopausal individuals, vaginal microbiota diversity and lack of Lactobacillus dominance are associated with greater mucosal inflammation, which is linked to a higher risk of cervical dysplasia and infections. It is not known if the association between the vaginal microbiota and inflammation is present after menopause, when the vaginal microbiota is generally higher-diversity and fewer people have Lactobacillus dominance. This is a post hoc analysis of a subset of postmenopausal individuals enrolled in a randomized trial for treatment of moderate-severe vulvovaginal discomfort that compared vaginal moisturizer, estradiol, or placebo. Vaginal fluid samples from 0, 4, and 12 weeks were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (microbiota) and MesoScale Discovery (vaginal fluid immune markers: IL-1b, IL-1a, IL-2, IL-6, IL-18, IL-10, IL-9, IL-13, IL-8, IP10, MIP1a, MIP1b, MIP3a). Global associations between cytokines and microbiota (assessed by relative abundance of individual taxa and Shannon index for alpha, or community, diversity) were explored, adjusting for treatment arm, using linear mixed models, principal component analysis, and Generalized Linear Mixed Model + Microbiome Regression-based Kernel Association Test (GLMM-MiRKAT). A total of 119 individuals with mean age of 61 years were included. At baseline, 29.5% of participants had a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota. Across all timepoints, alpha diversity (Shannon index, P = 0.003) was highly associated with immune markers. Individual markers that were associated with Lactobacillus dominance were similar to those observed in premenopausal people: IL-10, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8 (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.01), IL-13 (FDR = 0.02), and IL-2 (FDR = 0.09). Over 12 weeks, change in alpha diversity was associated with change in cytokine concentration (Shannon, P = 0.018), with decreased proinflammatory cytokine concentrations observed with decreasing alpha diversity. In this cohort of postmenopausal individuals, Lactobacillus dominance and lower alpha diversity were associated with lower concentrations of inflammatory immune markers, as has been reported in premenopausal people. This suggests that after menopause lactobacilli continue to have beneficial effects on vaginal immune homeostasis, despite lower prevalence.

The effect of pre- and probiotic supplementation on inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women

Chronic inflammation is linked with several deleterious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, irritable bowel disease, and osteoporosis (1,2). Post-menopausal women are at a heightened risk of developing these diseases due to the remission of oestrogen, further amplifying a pro-inflammatory state (3,4). This study aimed to critically examine the combined effect of pre- and probiotic supplementation (synbiotics) and exercise in the form of ≥7,000 steps per day on inflammatory markers hs- CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, INF-γ and TNF- α in sedentary post-menopausal women. Eighty-seven healthy post-menopausal women were allocated to receive either a synbiotic supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. Participants’ demographics and physical activity levels were determined using questionnaires, and their diet was assessed using self-reported 3-day diet records. Body composition measures of height, weight and BMI were measured at baseline, while total body mass, lean body mass, total fat mass and total body fat percentage at baseline and week 12 using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasted venous blood samples were collected to analyse inflammatory status before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, where outcome variables with multiple time points, were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA with the model, including time (baseline vs 12 weeks), intervention group (placebo vs synbiotic), and their interaction as fixed effects. The results showed no significant differences between the intervention group’s demographics, physical activity levels, and dietary intake (p &gt; 0.05). The 12-week study duration (time) was found to have had a statistically significant effect on lowering hs-CRP (p &lt;0.018), IL-8 (p &lt;0.001), IFN-γ (p &lt;0.001), TNF-α (p &lt;0.001) and increasing IL-6 (p &lt;0.001) and IL-10 (p &lt;0.001) in both groups. However, the observed decrease in IL-1β (p &lt;0.348) over time was not significant. The intervention type (synbiotic or placebo) significantly impacted IL-10 (p &lt; 0.003). No significant interactions between time and group were observed across all other inflammatory markers (p &gt; 0.05). The study duration increased total lean body mass (p &lt;0.015) and decreased total body fat percentage (p &lt;0.022) in both the placebo and synbiotic groups. At the same time, the intervention type (synbiotic or placebo) had no effect on total lean body mass, total fat mass, total body mass and percentage body fat in both groups (p &gt; 0.05). The current study showed no notable differences between the placebo and synbiotic groups suggesting synbiotic supplementation is likely ineffective at reducing chronic inflammation in overweight, sedentary post-menopausal women living in New Zealand. However, future studies are needed to confirm these findings. Additionally, studies should investigate the effects of exercise and synbiotic supplementation separately in this population.

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.

Weight loss response to semaglutide in postmenopausal women with and without hormone therapy use.

To compare weight loss response and changes in cardiometabolic risk markers in postmenopausal women using semaglutide with and without menopause hormone therapy (HT) use. Retrospective cohort study of postmenopausal women treated with semaglutide for overweight or obesity for ≥3 months. Endpoints: total body weight loss percentage (TBWL%) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after semaglutide initiation; and percentage of women achieving ≥5% and ≥10% TBWL and changes in cardiometabolic risk markers (glucose, blood pressure, and lipids) at 12 months. There were 16 women on HT and 90 on no-HT; mean age 56 ± 8 vs 59 ± 8 yr, P = 0.2 and mean BMI 36 ± 5 vs 39 ± 8 kg/m 2 , P = 0.1; respectively. Among women on no-HT, White race, dyslipidemia, and depression were more prevalent. Women on HT had a higher TBWL% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months: 7 ± 3% vs 5 ± 4%, P = 0.01; 13 ± 6% vs 9 ± 5%, P = 0.01; 15 ± 6% vs 10 ± 6%, P = 0.02; and 16 ± 6% vs 12 ± 8%, P = 0.04; respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, this association remained significant across time. At 12 months, a greater percentage of women on HT achieved ≥5% and ≥10% TBWL. Both groups experienced an improvement in cardiometabolic risk markers. In postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity treated with semaglutide, HT use was associated with an improved weight loss response. This association was maintained when adjusted for confounders. Larger studies should be conducted to confirm these results.

Mutational and expressional association of the PIK3CA gene with the risk of breast cancer in the Pakistani population.

PI3K pathway is a very important pathway that is reported to be involved in breast cancer. Mutation ofPI3Kand p110 alpha-catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3CA) is of high predictive and prognostic values in breast cancer. The purpose of the current study was to screen the hotspot mutations of thePIK3CAgene i.e. rs2677760, rs3806685, rs121913273 & rs121913279 along with expressional analysis ofPI3KandPIK3CAgenes in breast cancer female patients. For mutational analysis, TaqMan assay & Sanger sequencing were performed while for expressional analysis real-time PCR was carried out. Mutant allele C of rs2677760 was observed to be high in postmenopausal patients. The frequency of mutant allele G of rs3806685 was significantly high in breast cancer patients. All diseased and control samples were of wild type for the hotspot rs121913273 and rs121913279 with allele G for rs121913273 and A for rs121913279. Expression of the PI3K was high in breast cancer tissue samples as compared to the adjacent controls. While the expression ofthe thePIK3CAgene was significantly high in premenopausal breast cancer patients. It was concluded that the mutant allele C of rs2677760 might have some sort of association with the menopausal status and it could be used as a diagnostic marker in post-menopausal women if studied further. Mutant allele G of rs3806685 was also found to be associated with breast cancer. While multiallelic rs121913273 and rs121913279 showed a different trend for the studied population. For expressional analysis, PI3Kshowed over-expression in the cases while PIK3CAgene expression was observed to be significantly associated with pre-menopausal status.

Correlation between bone mineral density and bone metabolic markers in postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures at different C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen levels: a retrospective analysis study.

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and bone resorption markers in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis fractures and identify risk factors for second fractures. This retrospective analysis of 1,239 older women with fractures with a median age of 70 years who attended Shanghai General Hospital from January 2007 to December 2016, included a first fracture group (1,008 cases) and a second fractures group (231 cases). The risk factors for fractures were analyzed by comparing these groups on clinical characteristics, BMD, and bone metabolism markers stratified by quartiles of serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for second fractures. In the whole sample, BMD was negatively correlated with age and serum osteocalcin and positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). In women with first fractures, those in the highest quartile of serum CTX had the lowest spine and hip BMD. Second fractures were significantly associated with BMI, lower spine and hip BMD, and higher serum osteocalcin but not CTX. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that high BMI (odds ratio [OR], 1.08 [95% CI, 1.03-1.14]; P = 0.001), low lumbar BMD (OR, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.07-0.82]; P = 0.023), low total hip BMD (OR, 0.05 [95% CI, 0.00-0.88]; P = 0.041), and lack of antiosteoporosis treatment (OR, 2.71 [95% CI, 2.71-4.08]; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for second fractures. In older women with fractures, BMD was significantly lower in women with second fractures than in those with first fractures. Higher levels of serum CTX and osteocalcin, which indicates increased bone resorption, were negatively correlated with BMD. In women with a first fracture, serum CTX higher than 605 pg/mL was negatively correlated with BMD, whereas no correlation was found between different CTX and BMD in women with second fractures. High BMI and low BMD as well as not receiving antiosteoporosis treatment were independent risk factors for second fractures.

P23-021-23 The Effect of Prune (Dried Plum) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Markers in Postmenopausal Women: Secondary Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

P23-021-23 The Effect of Prune (Dried Plum) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Markers in Postmenopausal Women: Secondary Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of Bazedoxifene/Vitamin D Combination Therapy on Serum Vitamin D Levels and Bone Turnover Markers in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bazedoxifene/vitamin D combination therapy in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. This was an open-label, multicenter randomized-controlled, phase 4 clinical trial. Women between ages of 55 and 70 years in 9 medical tertiary centers in Korea were enrolled and assigned into 2 groups: an experiment group and a control group. The experimental group received bazedoxifene 20 mg/vitamin D 800 IU tablets for 6 months, and the control group received calcium 100 mg/vitamin D 1,000 IU tablets for 6 months. A total of 142 patients (70 in the experimental group and 72 in the control group) were included. The least-square mean±standard error of change in propeptide of type I collagen after 3 months was -6.87±2.56% in the experimental group and 1.22±2.54% in the control group. After 6 months, it was -21.07±2.75% in the experimental group and 1.26±2.71% in the control group. The difference between the 2 groups was -22.33% (p<0.01). The change of C-terminal telopeptide was -12.55±4.05% in the experimental group and 11.02±4.03% in the control group after 3 months. It was -22.0±3.95% and 10.20±3.89, respectively, after 6 months. The difference between the 2 groups was -32.21% (p<0.01) after 6 months. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the 2 groups. The osteoporosis preventive effect and safety of administering bazedoxifene/vitamin D combination pill were confirmed in postmenopausal women who needed osteoporosis prevention.

Effect of statins on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women: a pilot study.

Effect of statins on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women: a pilot study.

Estimation of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase, Total Calcium and Urinary Hydroxyproline as Bone turn over marker in Post-Menopausal women in Tertiary care Hospital

Background: Osteoporosis is one of the prevalent diseases of post-Menopausal women. Hence to evaluate the severity of osteoporosis serum calcium, serum ALP and urinary hydroxyproline used as bone resorption marker.Method: 30 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis were compared with healthy pre-menopausal 25-40 years of women. Random Blood sample collected from venipuncture and centrifuged to get serum. Fasting Urine sample was collected and 1.2 drops 6 N HCI was added as preservative. The parameter compared between preand post menopausal were, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, Albumin, Urine test included Hydroxyproline,creatinine and results were noted.Results: Comparison of S. calcium, S.alkalinePhosphatase, S. Protein,S. Albumin and Urinary hydroxyproline. Urinary creatinine were compared and every parameters had highly significant p value (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: These results demonstrate that biochemical markers of bone turn over like serum total ALP total calcium provide dynamic measure of bone remodelling and helps to predict the changes in bone mass and fracture of risk in post-menopausal women.

Effects of ultra-low dose hormone therapy on biochemical bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

ObjectiveEvaluate the effects of ultra-low-dose hormone therapy (Ultra-LD HT) with 17β-estradiol 0.5 mg and norethisterone acetate 0.1 mg (E2 0.5/NETA 0.1) versus placebo on bone turnover markers (BTM) in postmenopausal women.Study DesignA multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was performed with 107 participants who received one tablet daily of E2 0.5/NETA 0.1 or placebo for 24-weeks. Bone formation markers-N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) and Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), and bone resorption markers-C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) and N-telopeptide crosslinked of type I collagen (NTX) were assessed before and at 12 and 24-weeks of treatment.ResultsWomen treated with E2 0.5/NETA 0.1 had a significant reduction in the PINP marker from baseline (58.49 ± 21.12 μg/L) to week 12 (48.31 ± 20.99 μg/L) and week 24 (39.16 ± 16.50 μg/L). Placebo group, the PINP marker did not differ significantly. The analysis of the BSAP indicated a significant increase in the placebo group (13.8 ± 5.09 μg/L and 16.29 ± 4.3 μg/L, at baseline and week 24, respectively), whereas in the treatment group the values did not change. The analysis of the NTX marker showed a significant reduction only in the treatment group (43.21 ± 15.26 nM/mM and 33.89 ± 14.9 nM/mM, at baseline and week 24, respectively). CTX-I had a significant decrease in the treatment group from baseline (0.3 ± 0.16 ng/L) to week 12 (0.21 ± 0.14 ng/L) and week 24 (0.21 ± 0.12 ng/L).ConclusionWomen receiving E2 0.5/NETA 0.1 experienced reductions in bone resorption and formation markers, an expected effect during the anti-resorptive therapy, suggesting a protective bone effect with the Ultra-LD HT.

Relationship Between the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs11558471 in the SLC30A8/ZnT8 Gene and Cardiometabolic Markers in Postmenopausal Women.

Postmenopausal women have more risk factors for metabolic syndrome, and genetic alterations in SLC30A8 (zinc transporter 8 [ZnT8]) are directly related to these factors. Our aim was to assess the relationship of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11558471 in the SLC30A8/ZnT8 gene with cardiometabolic markers in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study included 53 postmenopausal women divided into two groups according to the SNP genotype (AG + GG [n = 25] and AA [n = 28]). Anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical (glycemic, lipidic, hepatic, renal, and hormonal markers) variables were evaluated and compared between groups. No differences in glycemic, hepatic, renal, and hormonal markers were found between groups. However, the group with the polymorphic allele (AG + GG) had a better lipid profile than non-carriers (total cholesterol, p = 0.041; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], p = 0.035; non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non-HDL-c], p = 0.043). Logistic regression showed that the group with polymorphic allele had lower chances of increasing levels of LDL-c (odds ratio [OR] = 0.225, p = 0.012) and non-HDL-c (OR = 0.316, p = 0.045). After adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity, and use of diabetes and dyslipidemia drugs, only LDL-c remained associated (OR = 0.218; p = 0.017). The variant allele of SNP rs11558471 in the SLC30A8 gene was associated with better LDL-c levels, which helps reduce the risks for cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.

Markers of oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

During the postmenopausal period, there are metabolic alterations that predispose individuals to metabolic syndrome (MS), oxidative stress (OS), and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to compare the concentrations of OS markers in postmenopausal women with and without MS. Malondialdehyde, carbonyl groups, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were quantified. We conducted a cross-sectional study: Group 1 (n = 42) included women without MS, and Group 2 (n = 58) comprised women with MS. Participants’ age was similar between groups. Glucose, insulin, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides, uric acid, and body mass index were significantly lower in postmenopausal women without MS. OS markers were significantly lower in Group 1 vs. Group 2: malondialdehyde, 31.32 ± 14.93 vs. 40.27 ± 17.62 pmol MDA/mg dry weight (p = .01); protein carbonylation, 6325 ± 1551 vs. 7163 ± 1029 pmol PC/mg protein (p = .0003); and TAC, 1497 ± 297.3 vs. 1619 ± 278.8 pmol Trolox equivalent/mg protein (p = .041). OS markers were significantly higher in postmenopausal women with MS. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Oxidative stress has been implicated in numerous disease processes; however, information on the relationship between oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome among postmenopausal women remains limited. What do the results of this study add? Our results indicate that in postmenopausal Mexican women, oxidative stress markers were significantly lower in those without metabolic syndrome, whereas total antioxidant capacity was higher in those with metabolic syndrome, which could be explained as an antioxidant defense mechanism capable of neutralising excess oxidative damage markers. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study is of interest to a broad audience because it compares the concentrations of oxidative stress markers in postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome. Our study could support intervention with supplements or foods rich in antioxidants as lifestyle modifications in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

Epidural Steroid Injections Acutely Suppress Bone Formation Markers in Postmenopausal Women.

Over 9 million epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are performed annually in the United States. Although these injections effectively treat lumbar radicular pain, they may have adverse consequences, including bone loss. To investigate acute changes in bone turnover following ESI. We focused on postmenopausal women, who may be at greatest risk for adverse skeletal consequences due to the combined effects of ESIs with aging and estrogen deficiency. Single-center prospective observational study. Postmenopausal women undergoing lumbar ESIs and controls with no steroid exposure were included. Outcomes were serum cortisol, markers of bone formation, osteocalcin, and procollagen type-1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and bone resorption by C-telopeptide (CTX) measured at baseline, 1, 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after ESIs. Among ESI-treated women, serum cortisol declined by ~50% 1 week after injection. Bone formation markers significantly decreased 1 week following ESIs: osteocalcin by 21% and P1NP by 22%. Both markers remained suppressed at 4 and 12 weeks, but returned to baseline levels by 26 weeks. There was no significant change in bone resorption measured by CTX. Among controls, there were no significant changes in cortisol or bone turnover markers. These results provide evidence of an early and substantial reduction in bone formation markers following ESIs. This effect persisted for over 12 weeks, suggesting that ESIs may have lasting skeletal consequences. Given the large population of older adults who receive ESIs, further investigation into the long-term skeletal sequelae of these injections is warranted.

Influence of duration of menopause on bone turnover markers in post-menopausal women

Introduction and Aim: Osteoporosis is common among women following 10 years of cessation of menstruation, due to bone loss accelerated by menopause. The study was done to evaluate the effect of duration of menopause on bone turnover markers (BTMs). Materials and Methods: The study involved 100 postmenopausal women; 50 osteoporotic and 50 non-osteoporotic. Comparison and correlation of serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum osteocalcin (sOC) and urinary hydroxyproline (uHP) were done based on duration of menopause. Comparison of biochemical parameters was done using Independent t-test and ANOVA test for two groups and more than two groups respectively. Correlation was done using Pearson’s correlation test. Statistical significance was considered at p&lt;0.05. Results: The sOC significantly declined and uHP levels increased between quartiles of duration of menopause among study participants. (p&lt;0.001). However, in those without fractures, sOC and uHP were higher in those with &lt;7 years since menopause (YSM) and then plateaued after 8 YSM. The percentage of osteoporotic women having &gt;15 YSM was 82%. Duration of menopause correlated better with sOC (r=-0.633) than uHP (r=0.575) (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Osteoporotic fractures were higher in more than 15 YSM. There was no difference in both sOC and uHP in those with fractures, proving non-significance of screening these markers once the fractures have occurred. As sOC correlates better with duration of menopause, monitoring of sOC in early years of menopause is required to prevent osteoporotic fractures and associated burden through prophylactic treatment.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Dietary Supplementation with Prunes (Dried Plums) on Inflammatory Markers in Postmenopausal Women

The prevalence of osteoporosis among women aged 50 years and older is expected to reach 13.6 million by 2030. Osteoporosis is characterized by compromised bone strength due to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality, representing a major public health issue that necessitates effective treatment regimens that are safe, cost‐effective, and associated with fewer adverse effects than pharmaceutical agents. Alternative dietary interventions such as prunes (dried plum) have been extensively studied to mitigate bone loss in preclinical models of osteoporosis. In postmenopausal women, estrogen deficiency triggers an upregulation of inflammatory pathways, which promotes bone loss, thus increasing risk of fractures. Our understanding of the effect of prune consumption on inflammatory markers in humans is limited, warranting further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 12 months of prune consumption (two doses) on inflammatory mediators. Postmenopausal women (n=106, 55‐75 years old) with low BMD were randomized to consume 0g prunes/day (control), 50g prunes/day, or 100g prunes/day for 12 months. All participants received 1200mg calcium and 800 IU vitamin D3 as standard of care. We hypothesized that prune consumption at 50g/day and 100g/day will reduce inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women with low BMD compared to control group (0g/day). At baseline and after 12 months of prune consumption, serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated to quantify C‐reactive protein (CRP) using a high‐sensitivity CRP immunoassay, the number of circulating monocytes using flow cytometry, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α] from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated PBMCs using a multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Differences among groups were assessed using one‐way ANOVA or Kruskal‐Wallis test. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found among the three treatment groups. Prune consumption did not alter serum CRP or the number of monocytes. However, consumption of 100g prunes/day resulted in a significant reduction from baseline in IL‐1β (p=0.013), IL‐6 (p=0.007), and IL‐8 (p=0.049) secretion and consumption of 50g prunes/day resulted in a significant reduction from baseline in TNF‐α (p&lt;0.001) secretion from LPS‐stimulated PBMCs compared to the control group. Our findings demonstrate that 12 months of prune consumption suppresses inflammatory cytokines from LPS‐stimulated PBMCs. Thus, daily consumption of 50g‐100g of prunes may reduce inflammatory mediators that can contribute to bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Association between the dietary inflammatory index and bone markers in postmenopausal women.

IntroductionThe health problem of postmenopausal women is emerging as an important problem due to the increased aging population. This study investigated the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and bone markers in postmenopausal women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 132 postmenopausal women aged 45–70 years. The DII score was calculated using the 3-day food records and divided into tertiles according to the DII score. The lifestyle factors that could affect bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women were investigated and included the EuroQol- 5 Dimension (EQ-5D), physical activity, and eating habits. Skeletal muscle index-weight (SMIw) was used to evaluate skeletal muscle mass, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSALP), and phosphorus (P) measured as bone biomarkers. The BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the association between anthropometric, biochemistry, BMD, and DII was assessed.ResultsIn the anti-inflammatory group, a high intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals was observed. After adjusting for confound factors, with higher DII score, percent body fat increased (β = 0.168, p = 0.012), and SMIw decreased linear regression analysis (β = −0.329, p = 0.037, respectively). For biochemistry, confound factors were adjusted, with higher DII score, ALP, BSALP and P decreased and DII score increased (β = −0.057, p = 0.002, β = −0.167, p = 0.004, β = −1.799, p = 0.026, respectively). The relationship between DII and BMD was not significant, but osteopenia increased as DII score increased.ConclusionThe low DII score is positively associated with low body fat, high muscle mass, elevated bone markers, and low risk of osteopenia.

FSH may mediate the association between HbA1c and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

Recent studies in postmenopausal women have found associations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels with both glucose metabolism and bone turnover. The objective of the study was to investigate whether FSH may contribute to suppressed bone turnover markers (BTMs) in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). 888 postmenopausal women with T2D, 352 nondiabetes (prediabetes plus normoglycemia) were included from the METAL study. HbA1c, sex hormones, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and β-C-terminal telopeptide (β-CTX) were measured. P1NP and β-CTX decreased in postmenopausal T2D women compared with nondiabetes controls (both p < 0.001). The major factors responsible for the changes in P1NP were HbA1c (β = -0.050, p < 0.001), 25(OH)D (β = -0.003, p = 0.006), FSH (β = 0.001, p = 0.044) and metformin (β = -0.109, p < 0.001), for β-CTX were HbA1c (β = -0.049, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (β = -0.011, p = 0.005), 25(OH)D (β = -0.003, p = 0.003), FSH (β = 0.002, p = 0.022) and metformin (β = -0.091, p = 0.001) in postmenopausal T2D women based on multivariate regression analysis. With the increase in HbA1c, FSH decreased significantly (p for trend < 0.001). Mediation analysis demonstrated that FSH partly mediated the suppression of LnP1NP and Lnβ-CTX by HbA1c (β = -0.009 and -0.010, respectively), and Lnβ-CTX by BMI (β = -0.015) when multiple confounders were considered (all p < 0.05). HbA1c was the crucial determinant contributing to the suppression of BTMs. FSH might play a novel mediation role in BTM suppression due to HbA1c or BMI.

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.

PTHR1 Genetic Polymorphisms Are Associated with Osteoporosis among Postmenopausal Arab Women.

The parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTHR1) plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. However, its genetic role in regulating bone turnover markers (BTMs) in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) remains unclear. Herein, we explored parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTHR gene variant susceptibility to osteoporosis and their association with various circulating BTM and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women of Arab ethnicity. In total, 600 postmenopausal Arab women (300-PMO and 300-control) were genotyped for selected SNPs in PTH (rs1459015, rs307253, rs6054, rs307247, rs10500783 and rs10500784), PTHR1 (rs6442037, rs1138518, and rs724449 SNPs) and PTHR2 (rs9288393, rs10497900, and rs897083). Anthropometrics, BTMs, and inflammatory markers were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine L1–L4 and the femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). PTHR1 rs1138518 genotype C/T was found to be a significant risk factor for PMO (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.0-2.1, P = 0.03). The genotypes C/T and T/T of PTHR1 rs1138518 were associated with 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) regulation. In the PMO group, carriers of the C/T genotype had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than carriers of the same genotypes in the control group (59.9 (36.7-92.4) nmol/l and 66.4 (43.5-87.8) nmol/l, respectively; P = 0.048]. Our study concludes that the PTHR1 rs1138518 genotype could be a potential risk factor for osteoporosis and 25(OH)D regulation in Arab women with PMO.