Middle-aged Premenopausal Women Research Articles

What do we know about the role of menopause in cardiovascular autonomic regulation in hypertensive women?

We investigated the systemic arterial hypertension effects on cardiovascular autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in women with or without preserved ovarian function. A total of 120 women were allocated into two groups: middle-aged premenopausal women (42 ± 3 y old; n = 60) and postmenopausal women (57 ± 4 y old; n = 60). Each group was also divided into two smaller groups (n = 30): normotensive and hypertensive. We evaluated hemodynamic and anthropometric parameters, cardiorespiratory fitness, BRS, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure variability. The effects of hypertension and menopause were assessed using a two-way analysis of variance. Post hoc comparisons were performed using the Student-Newman-Keuls test. Comparing premenopausal groups, women with systemic arterial hypertension showed lower BRS (9.1 ± 4.4 vs 13.4 ± 4.2 ms/mm Hg, P < 0.001 ) and HRV total variance (1,451 ± 955 vs 2,483 ± 1,959 ms 2 , P = 0.005) values than normotensive; however, the vagal predominance still remained. On the other hand, both postmenopausal groups showed an expressive reduction in BRS (8.3 ± 4.2 vs 11.3 ± 4.8 ms/mm Hg, P < 0.001) and HRV characterized by sympathetic modulation predominance (low-frequency oscillations; 56% ± 17 vs 44% ± 17, P < 0.001), in addition to a significant increase in blood pressure variability variance (28.4 ± 14.9 vs 22.4 ± 12.5 mm Hg 2 , P = 0.015) compared with premenopausal groups. Comparing both postmenopausal groups, the hypertensive group had significantly lower values ​​of HRV total variance (635 ± 449 vs 2,053 ± 1,720 ms 2 , P < 0.001) and BRS (5.3 ± 2.8 vs 11.3 ± 3.2 ms/mm Hg) than the normotensive. Hypertensive middle-aged premenopausal women present HRV autonomic modulation impairment, but they still maintain a vagal predominance. After menopause, even normotensive women show sympathetic autonomic predominance, which may also be associated with aging. Furthermore, postmenopausal women with hypertension present even worse cardiac autonomic modulation.

Urine levels of estrogen and its metabolites in premenopausal middle-aged women with different degrees of obesity and their correlation with glucose and lipid metabolism

ObjectivesTo determine the levels of estrogen and estrogen metabolites in the urine of premenopausal women with obesity and their correlation with glucose and lipid metabolism. Methords135 premenopausal women were selected from the same area. According to the body mass index (BMI), they were divided into four different groups. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) was adopted to detect the concentrations of estrogen and estrogen metabolites in the urine. The influencing factors of BMI were analyzed, the correlation between the urinary degrees of estrogen and estrogen metabolites and glucose and lipid metabolism levels was assessed. Results(1) The concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE1) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) gradually increased with increasing BMI (p < 0.05). (2) Stepwise regression analysis displayed that the concentrations of E2, 16α-OHE1 and 2-OHE1 in urine were significantly positively correlated with BMI (p < 0.05). (3) The concentrations of E2, E1, 16α-OHE1, 2-OHE1 and 16α-OHE1/2-OHE1 in urine were greatly positively related to fasting insulin (FIN), Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.05). And they were greatly negatively related to High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.05). ConclusionsEarly screening can reflect the degree of obesity and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in premenopausal middle-aged women, thereby providing guidance for improving the prognosis of obese women.

Association Between Physical Activity and Depression in Middle Aged Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women in Malaysia

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and depression among middle-aged premenopausal women in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community centre, workplace, and healthcare institution. The Beck Depression Inventory-II questionnaire was used to assess the severity of depression symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between the amount of physical activity and depression. Results: Compared to those with low activity levels, participants with moderate activity levels had 25% lower odds of experiencing depression (adjusted OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.60, 0.92], p 0.05). Participants with high activity levels also had 35% lower odds. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant inverse relationship between the level of physical exercise and depression in Malaysian women. Encouraging regular physical activity as a part of lifestyle interventions may serve as an effective strategy for preventing and managing depressive symptoms in this population. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and to inform targeted interventions for promoting physical activity, thus promoting positive mental health outcomes.

A Chair-Based Music-Kinetic Combined Exercise Program as an Alternative Approach for Increasing Health, Functional Capacity, and Physical Fitness Indices in Middle-Aged Pre-Menopausal Women.

Lately, chairs have been widely used as a cheap, easily accessible, safe, and effective training means in different settings (e.g., in gyms, the house, workplaces, and in rehabilitation). This study investigated the effectiveness of a 10-week chair-based music-kinetic integrated combined exercise program on health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indicators of middle-aged pre-menopausal women. A total of 40 healthy women (40-53 years) were assigned to two groups: exercise (EG) and control (CG). The EG followed a 10-week (3 times/weekly; 30 training sessions) chair-based exercise program including aerobic dance, flexibility, coordination, and strength exercises with body weight or auxiliary means. Selected indicators of health, functional capacity, and physical fitness were evaluated before and after the 10 weeks. Following the program, the EG significantly reduced their body fat (-2.5%), blood pressure (by -4.5 to -5.5%), the time during the timed up-and-go (TUG) test (by -10.27%), heart rate (by -6.35 to -13.78%), and the rate of perceived exertion (by -24.45 to -25.88%), while increasing respiratory function (3.5-4%), flexibility (12.17%), balance (50.38-51.07%), maximal handgrip strength (10-12.17%), and endurance strength (43.87-55.91%). The chair-based combined music-kinetic exercise program was effective and could be safely used in different settings to improve health, functional capacity, and physical fitness in middle-aged women.

Vascular function in women: when studying perimenopause is peri important.

Vascular function in women: when studying perimenopause is peri important.

FNA as a Powerful Modality to Detect Granular Cell Tumor in Male Breast: A Report and Review of Literature

Abstract Introduction/Objective Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a benign mesenchymal tumor of Schwannian origin. Granular cell tumor is an uncommon tumor of the breast with a prevalence of 1:1000 to 6.7:1000 of all breast tumors. Most cases are diagnosed on surgical resection. When reported that are most commonly in middle-aged premenopausal women. Diagnosis of GCT on fine needle aspiration (FNA) in male patients is, however, extremely rare. We present here an unusual case of GCT of the breast in a male patient clinically mimicking malignancy. Methods/Case Report A 34-year-old male patient presented with a palpable lump in the left breast. An imaging study showed a 0.6 cm hypoechoic mass with microlobulated borders and no internal vascularity suspicious for breast carcinoma (BIRAD-4). Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the mass was performed. Rapid onsite specimen evaluation was performed and additional passes were performed to collect sample for cell block to perform ancillary studies. FNA revealed clusters of polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and poorly defined borders. Those cells had round to ovoid nuclei with vesicular chromatin pattern and prominent nucleoli. A differential diagnosis of GCT, apocrine metaplasia, and lesions rich in histiocytes such as granulomatous inflammation, fat necrosis and duct ectasia were considered. Immunohistochemical staining with S100 and CD68 was performed which stained granular cytoplasm in tumor cells of GCT. A review of literature from the past 5 years shows 23 cases of GCT of the breast are reported in the literature and of these only 3 (13%) are reported in males. These tumors ranged from 20-68 years with tumor size ranging from 5- 28 mm. Only 1(4%) cases were preoperatively diagnosed using FNA. No cases of GCT were preoperatively diagnosed on FNA samples from the breast. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) N/A. Conclusion We show here that a powerful relatively noninvasive and rapid modality like FNA can be effectively utilized to detect very rare benign tumor like GCT in the male breast where imaging studies suspect breast cancer.

Comparison of the Effects of Aerobic versus Resistance Exercise on the Autonomic Nervous System in Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in the autonomic nervous system in middle-aged women induced by aerobic and resistance exercise. A randomized controlled design was adopted; 22 premenopausal middle-aged women were divided into the resistance training and aerobic exercise groups (n = 11 each). Each group followed a specific 60 min exercise program three times a week for 12 weeks. The participants’ heart rate variability (HRV) was measured to analyze the low(LF)- and high-frequency (HF) activity, and the LF/HF ratio was calculated to examine the autonomic nervous system’s activities. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise. LF activity significantly increased in both the resistance training (p < 0.001) and aerobic exercise (p < 0.5) groups, indicating a significant variation according to time effect. HF activity was significantly increased only in resistance training (p < 0.001) with a significant variation in time (p < 0.001) and an interaction effect (p < 0.01). The LF/HF ratio did not vary significantly in either group. The findings in this study suggest that both aerobic exercise and resistance training were effective for sympathetic nerve activities in middle-aged women and that the effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic activities were greater for resistance training.

Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Determinants of Adherence to Current Dietary Recommendations and Diet Quality in Middle-Aged Spanish Premenopausal Women.

BackgroundA healthy diet when approaching menopause could prevent some of the symptoms associated with the climacteric. Few studies examine adherence to current healthy dietary recommendations in middle-aged premenopausal women. Our objective was to analyze the diet quality and the adherence to the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition (SENC) dietary recommendations in middle-aged Spanish premenopausal women, and to identify the associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study based on 1251 premenopausal women, aged 39–50, who attended to Madrid City Council Medical Diagnostic Center. Women completed an epidemiological and a food frequency questionnaire. Degree of adherence to the SENC recommendations was estimated with a score that evaluated null (0 points) and full (1 point) adherence of each specific recommendation. Associations were explored using an ordinal logistic multivariable regression model.ResultsRegarding food groups, the worst adherence was found for sweets, red/processed meat, olive oil and eggs. Most of the participants exceeded the recommended caloric intake from proteins and fats, and practically all of them showed vitamin D intake deficiency. The overall score ranged from 2 to 12 (out of 15), with a median of 6.0 (interquartile range: 5.0–7.0). Former smokers (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.08–1.78), as well as those with higher educational level (ORSSecondary:1.68; 95%CI: 0.97–2.93, ORUniversity:1.82; 95%IC: 1.05–3.14), with two or more children (OR: 1.31; 95%IC: 1.00-1.72), with higher caloric intake (OR>2188.2kcal/day: 8.22; 95%CI: 6.19–10.92) and with greater physical activity (OR≥21METS−h/week: 1.29; 95%CI: 0.95-1.76) showed greater adherence.ConclusionsAlmost two-thirds of middle-aged premenopausal participants showed low or moderate compliance with SENC recommendations. Education, smoking, parity, and physical activity were associated with the degree of adherence to these recommendations.

Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 Characteristics According to Age and Physical Activity Levels in Premenopausal Women

We aimed to compare serum concentrations of sclerostin and DKK-1 in young (20-30 yrs, n = 25) and middle-aged (35-45 yrs, n = 25) premenopausal women and based on physical activity (PA) status. PA status was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (low-moderate (≤ 2999 MET-min/week) and high (≥ 3000 MET-min/week). Serum sclerostin and DKK-1 levels were measured in fasting morning blood samples by ELISA. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured by DXA, and non-dominant tibia bone characteristics were assessed by pQCT. After adjusting for total body aBMD, middle-aged women had significantly (p < 0.001) higher (0.54 ± 0.01 ng/mL) serum sclerostin than young women (0.41 ± 0.01 ng/mL), and sclerostin was positively correlated with age (rs = 0.065, p ≤ 0.001) and total PA score (rs = 0.33, p = 0.021). Young women had higher left trochanter aBMD (p = 0.036) than middle-aged women and aBMD variables were higher (all p ≤ 0.043) in the high active group. Middle-aged women had higher 38% cortical vBMD than young women (p = 0.021), otherwise young women had higher values for pQCT variables (all p ≤ 0.036). Sclerostin showed significant correlations (r = 0.32 to 0.58, all p ≤ 0.026) with spine aBMD for the entire cohort and for each age group. Middle-aged women had significant correlations between sclerostin and hip aBMD sites (r = 0.043 to 0.56, all p ≤ 0.031). Sclerostin and cortical vBMD were positively correlated in the entire cohort (r = 0.35 to 0.50; both p < 0.013); split by age group, middle-aged women had positive correlations (r = 0.45 to 0.61 age and, all p ≤ 0.021) between sclerostin and pQCT variables. No significant differences for physical activity were observed for serum DKK-1 concentrations. Serum sclerostin concentrations were positively associated with age and bone characteristics in premenopausal women; however, these findings were not evident for circulating DKK-1. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms for the discordant results in these Wnt inhibitors.

중년여성의 요실금 예방을 위한 심부근육 자극 운동의 효과

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in deep muscles related to urinary incontinence in middle-aged women using gyrotonic exercise of deep muscles. The subjects of this study were 40 middle-aged women with symptoms of urinary incontinence with a score of 1 to 3 points for UDI-6, an objective evaluating tool for urinary symptoms, among premenopausal middle-aged women aged 40 to 65 years. The gyrotonic exercise group consisted of 20 people and the control group 20 people, and in the case of the exercise group, exercise was performed for 60 minutes per exercise at a frequency of exercise 3 times a week for 12 weeks. As a result of statistical analysis, significant interaction effects were found in both pelvic floor muscle thickness and pelvic floor muscle activity (p<.01), which was significantly increased post-mortem compared to before in the gyrotonic exercise group. After 12 weeks, the gyrotonic exercise group was significantly higher than the control group (p<.05). Significant interaction effects were also found in both the right transverse abdominal muscle and transverse abdominal muscle activity (p<.01) (p<.001), which in the gyrotonic exercise group was compared with before and after post-mortem. It was found to be significantly increased (p<.01), and after 12 weeks, the gyrotonic exercise group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<.01) (p<.001). Significant interaction effects were also found in both the left transverse abdominis muscle and the left transverse abdominis muscle activity (p<.05), which was significantly decreased in the control group compared to before. (p<.05), after 12 weeks, the gyrotonic exercise group was significantly higher than the control group (p<.01). There was no interaction effect in the diaphragm.

Effects of High-Impact Weight-Bearing Exercise on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Metabolism in Middle-Aged Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study examined the effects of high-impact weight-bearing exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolic markers in middle-aged premenopausal women. Forty middle-aged premenopausal women were initially enrolled, but thirty-one participants (40.34 ± 3.69 years) completed in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups including the high-impact weight-bearing exercise group (HWE, n = 14) and control group (CON, n = 17). The HWE group participated in the exercise for 50 min a day, three days per week for four months, while the CON group maintained their regular lifestyle. The HWE program included 10 different high-impact weight-bearing exercises such as jumping and running. BMD was measured using DXA (Hologic, QDR 4500W, Marlborough, MA, USA). The bone metabolic markers including serum 25-(OH) D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), and calcium were analyzed. The results showed that the BMDs of femur, lumbar, and forearm did not significantly change during the intervention period in both the HWE and CON groups. A significant decrease in bone formation markers such as OC (F = 10.514, p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.266) and an increase in bone resorption marker including CTX (F = 8.768, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.232) were found only in the CON group, while these values did not change in the HWE group. There was a significant increase in serum 25-(OH) D (F = 4.451, p = 0.044, ηp2 = 0.133) in the HWE group. Our findings suggest that four months of HWE is not sufficient to improve BMD and bone metabolic markers, but this impact exercise program may prevent the age-associated changes in bone turnover markers in middle-aged premenopausal women.

Case Report:Granular Cell Tumor In Breast

Granular cell tumor (GCT) of the breast is an unusual neoplasm, tipically benign, it represents between 5-6% of all GCT cases. These tumors are more common in middle-aged premenopausal women with a greater predilection African American race. Nevertheless, there are also cases described in men , , . Almost all of them are favorable, the malignant cases are uncommon (only 1-3%). Sometimes it could be clinically and radiologically confused with a malignant breast tumor; so it's very important to make a differential diagnosis. The choice therapy is an extensive local extirpation with free margins, without the need for adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Our case is a 61-year-old woman with a GCT, and three years ago a history of breast carcinoma in the same breast.

ACE Insertion/Deletion polymorphism (rs4646994) affects body composition in middle-aged premenopausal women with essential hypertension

This study assesses the association between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) I/D (rs4646994) polymorphism and body composition parameters in essential hypertension (HT) and menopausal status in Slovak women. The entire study sample comprised 575 women in two groups: 255 with HT and 320 without. Body composition parameters were measured by bioelectric impedance analyzer and ACE I/D polymorphism genotypes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Premenopausal HT women with ACE II genotype had significantly lower body cell mass (p=0.004), extra- and intracellular water (p=0.027; p=0.004), fat free mass and muscle mass (p=0.006; P = 0.003), fat free mass index (p=0.006) and body cell mass index (p=0.003) than their ID/DD counterparts. These associations were not determined in normotensive and/or postmenopausal women. This study confirmed that ACE I/D gene polymorphism affects body composition in HT premenopausal women.

Association of Daytime Napping and Diagnosed Diabetes in Middle-Aged Premenopausal, Middle-Aged Postmenopausal, and Older Postmenopausal Chinese Women

To examine associations of daytime napping and diagnosed diabetes in middle-aged premenopausal, middle-aged postmenopausal, and older postmenopausal Chinese women. Quantitative, cross-sectional. 2015 cross-sectional data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Participants were recruited from 150 counties/districts and 450 villages/resident committees. Six thousand nine hundred and forty women aged 45 years and older (mean age = 61 years) stratified by age and menopausal status. The outcome was self-reported diagnosed diabetes. The exposure was self-reported daytime napping (0, >0-≤60, or >60 min/d). Participants were stratified to middle-aged premenopausal, middle-aged postmenopausal, and older postmenopausal women according to their age (≤60 or >60 years) and menopausal status. One-way analysis of variance and χ2 tests were conducted to explore differences on characteristics of middle-aged premenopausal, middle-aged postmenopausal, and older postmenopausal women. Multiple logistic regressions were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for diagnosed diabetes according to daytime napping in the total sample, middle-aged premenopausal, middle-aged postmenopausal, and older postmenopausal Chinese women. Participants' mean self-reported daytime napping duration was 34 minutes. Women who napped more than 60 minutes were more likely to report diagnosed diabetes (OR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.76) comparing to those who did not nap, after adjusting for potential confounders. No statistical significance of interaction term between daytime napping and age/menopausal status was detected (P = .602 and P = .558) among total women. The stratified analysis revealed the significant association among middle-aged postmenopausal women napping more than 60 minutes (OR = 1.81, 95% CI, 1.18-2.77). The association, however, was found to be insignificant in middle-aged premenopausal women and older postmenopausal women. Long daytime nap (>60 min/d) was associated with diagnosed diabetes in middle-aged postmenopausal women in China.

Hip Structural Analyses Characteristics Based on Physical Activity Status in Young and Middle-aged Premenopausal Women

Hip Structural Analyses Characteristics Based on Physical Activity Status in Young and Middle-aged Premenopausal Women

Evaluation of the Activities of Thyroid Hormones Among Pre- and Post-menopausal Euthyroid Women: A Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in India.

IntroductionAging brings about several changes in humans that include both physiological and anatomical changes. As individuals' age, the activity of the thyroid gland and its hormones decline, causing significant metabolic disorders. Most thyroid gland disorders have been noted among young and middle-aged women. Very little is known regarding the activities of thyroid hormones among older aged women.MethodsThe study included 350 young to middle-aged pre-menopausal women between 25 and 49 years and 350 older post-menopausal women above 50 years of age. The study was conducted in the department of biochemistry, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Nagunur, Karimnagar, Telangana, India. The subjects included in the study were euthyroid (not having any signs and symptoms of thyroid disorder) and were not on any medication. The thyroid profile, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), tri-iodothyronine (T3), and tetra-iodothyronine (T4), was analyzed in all the study subjects using the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) technique on a completely automated Abbott i1000SR Architect Plus instrument (Abbott Core Laboratory, Illinois‎, US).ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in thyroid hormone activities in the two age groups compared, as noted by the unpaired student's ‘t’ test. The mean serum TSH levels in the older post-menopausal women (3.39+2.45) were found to be higher than those noted in pre-menopausal women (2.60+1.31). The activities of T3 and T4 showed no difference in both groups (p=0.8397).ConclusionThe study results clearly indicate an increase in the activities of TSH among the older-aged post-menopausal women.

Association between bone-specific physical activity scores and pQCT-derived measures of bone strength and geometry in healthy young and middle-aged premenopausal women

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine if bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) scores were positively related to bone health in healthy young and middle-aged premenopausal women. The total BPAQ was a stronger predictor of bone strength and bone mineral density of hip in young women as compared to middle-aged premenopausal women.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the BPAQ scores were predictive indices of volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone strength, and bone geometry in young and middle-aged premenopausal women.MethodsHealthy young (n = 60) and middle-aged premenopausal women (n = 54) between the ages of 18 and 50 years were recruited for this study. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of lumbar spine and dual proximal femur (FN; femoral neck) was measured using DXA. We assessed vBMD of the tibia 4%, 38%, and 66% by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). The BPAQ was used to obtain a comprehensive account of lifetime physical activity related to bone health.ResultsPearson’s correlation tests showed positive correlations between total BPAQ and aBMD of the right FN (r = 0.313, p = 0.015) and the left FN (r = 0.307, p = 0.017) in young women while not found in middle-aged premenopausal women (p > 0.05). A positive relationship was only observed between total BPAQ and tibia 38% vBMD in middle-aged premenopausal women (r = 0.283, p = 0.038). All bone geometry variables were associated with total BPAQ (r = 0.280–0.422, p = 0.03–0.001) in young women. The Strength-Strain Index of tibia 38% (r = 0.350, p = 0.006) and 66% (r = 0.406, p = 0.001) was associated with total BPAQ in young women. In both young and middle-aged premenopausal women, when age, bone-free lean body mass (BFLBM), and total BPAQ were included in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, BFLBM was a significant predictor of all aBMD variables, accounting for 7–25.7% (p = 0.043–0.001).ConclusionsThe total BPAQ score-derived physical activity was more predictive of positive bone characteristics in young women than in middle-aged premenopausal women.

Relationship Between Wnt Signaling Inhibitors And Muscle Function In Young And Middle-aged Premenopausal Women

Relationship Between Wnt Signaling Inhibitors And Muscle Function In Young And Middle-aged Premenopausal Women

Early menarche is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adulthood.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between early menarche (<12years) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in premenopausal women and to explore whether it is mediated by adult obesity and insulin resistance. We analyzed data of premenopausal women, aged ≥15years, from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2009). We divided the women into three groups: early menarche, reference (12.00-15.99years), and late menarche. The presence of NAFLD was determined using hepatic steatosis index >36.0. Of the 4,387 women evaluated, 673 (15.4%) met the criteria for NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in both women with early and late menarche compared with the reference (early, 23.4%; reference, 14.0%; late, 19.9%, P<0.001). After adjustment of confounders including age, the OR for NAFLD in early menarche compared with the reference was 3.04 (95%CI: 1.99-4.65). Further adjustment of mediators, such as central obesity or insulin resistance, attenuated the association to 1.91-2.17. There was no association, however, between late menarche and NAFLD after adjustment of confounders. Early menarche was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in young and middle-aged premenopausal Korean women.

Association between Bone-Specific Physical Activity Scores and Measures of Areal and Volumetric Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Middle-Aged Premenopausal Women

The bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) has been shown to be related to areal bone mineral density (aBMD), but its relation to bone architecture and bone markers has not been well studied. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a total BPAQ score (tBPAQ), aBMD, volumetric BMD (vBMD, mg/cm3), and bone markers in middle-aged premenopausal women. METHODS: Thirty-four premenopausal women (44.4 ± 4.1 years; 161.7 ± 5.4 cm; 69.9 ± 11.1 kg) were recruited for this study. aBMD of L1-L4 and dual proximal femur (TH; total hip, FN; femoral neck) were measured using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. We assessed vBMD of tibia 4% (ToD; total vBMD, trabecular vBMD), 38% (ToD, CoD; cortical vBMD, SSI; strength strain index), and 66% (ToD, CoD, SSI) by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Bone formation (Bone ALP) and bone resorption (TRAP5b) markers were assessed. The tBPAQ was used to obtain a comprehensive account of lifetime physical activity related to bone health. RESULTS: Spearman’s correlation showed significant (p<0.05) positive relationships between tBPAQ and aBMD of right FN(r=.370) and left femur (TH, r=.373; FN, r=.372) and L1-L4 (r=.371), but no significant relationship was found for the right TH (p>0.05). There were no significant correlations between vBMD variables and tBPAQ. Also, no relationships were found between tBPAQ and bone ALP and TRAP5b (p>0.05). When tBPAQ, bone free lean body mass (BFLBM), calcium intake, and age were included in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, BFLBM was the only predictor of tibia 38% and 66% SSI, accounting for 16% (p=0.012) and 27% of the variance (p=0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The tBPAQ score-derived physical activity had positive relationships with FN, TH, and L1-L4 aBMD in healthy middle-aged premenopausal women, but no significant associations were found between tBPAQ and both vBMD and bone markers. Table 1. tBPAQ and aBMD (g/cm2).Table: No title available.