Obese Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

The diagnostic value of leptin for the detection of liver steatosis in postmenopausal obese women

Introduction. More than half of post-reproductive age women are overweight and obese, which puts them at high risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the abdominal type of obesity, adipose tissue dysfunction and impaired leptin secretion develop.Aim. To evaluate the possibilities and diagnostic characteristics of leptin for the determination of liver steatosis in pre-obese and obese women in the early postmenopausal period.Materials and methods. 76 women in the early postmenopausal period were examined, including 63 patients with NAFLD and overweight and obesity with an average age of 50.50 ± 2.16 years and 13 practically healthy women with an average age of 49.29 ± 2.64 years, who underwent an ultrasound examination of the liver, calculation of the HSI index (Hepatic Steatosis Index) and determination of the level of leptin in the blood.Results. Abdominal type of obesity was detected in 84% of patients, the gynoid type was 16%, and the body mass index averaged 33.5 ± 1.3 kg/m2. According to the ultrasound examination and the HSI index, all patients had liver steatosis. Their leptin levels significantly exceeded the control data (p < 0.001) and directly correlated with the severity of steatosis according to the HSI index (r = 0.321; p = 0.010). The threshold value of the serum leptin level in patients with NAFLD was 13 ng/ml with sensitivity and specificity of 90.5% and 92.3%, respectively.Conclusion. Leptin is a highly informative marker of NAFLD in women with pre-obesity and obesity in the early postmenopausal period, the value of which is higher or equal to 13 ng/ml allows to verify steatosis, less than this value – to exclude it in this category of persons with high diagnostic effectiveness.

The effects of laser acupuncture on metabolic syndrome in obese postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled study

To study the laser acupuncture (LA) effects on postmenopausal obese women’s metabolic syndrome. Randomized controlled trial. Benha university hospital. Thirty postmenopausal women were randomized into two equal groups. Group A received a diet regimen and Group B received LA treatment for 30 min three times a week for two months beside the diet regimen. Included weight (W), body mass index (BMI), waist (WC), hip (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) before and after the end of treatment. The study’s findings showed that both groups experienced a highly statistically significant decrease in the post-testing mean value of W, BMI, WC, HC, WHR, SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, FBG, FBI, and HOMA-IR, while both groups experienced a significant increase in the post-treatment mean value of HDL (p 0.0001). The posttreatment SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, FBS, FBI and insulin resistance were significantly lower while HDL was significantly higher in women who received combined LA and diet regimen compared to those who received dietary regimen only. LA beside the nutritional intervention is a physical therapy technique that may be used safely, easily, and effectively to minimize metabolic syndrome features during menopause.

Estimation of Patellofemoral Joint Dysfunction in Obese Post menopausal Women

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to estimate Patellofemoral Joint Dysfunction in obese postmenopausal women. Methods: Depending on selection criteria, 100 obese postmenopausal women were selected by simple random sampling method. Written consent was taken and a detailed outcome assessment was done by using a Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain assessment, Range of motion of hip, knee, ankle joint, Waldron Test, Eccentric Step-down Test, and Quadriceps angle. Statistical analysis was done and results were obtained. Findings: Among the 100 participants, 63% of women experienced pain during their daily activities. The mean pain intensity at rest was 2.25 ± 1.91, and during activity, it increased to 3.28 ± 6.60 (p value < 0.0001). The range of motion in the hip, knee, and ankle joints was reduced compared to that of individuals in the same age group without pain. Specifically, Hip extension-adduction, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion-inversion-eversion had a p value of <0.0001. For hip flexion-abduction-medial and lateral rotation, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion, the p values were 0.0003, 0.1952, 0.0001, 0.003, 0.0392, and 0.0333. Additionally, 35% of women had quadriceps angles greater than 180 degrees, while the remaining 65% had angles less than 180 degrees. 63% of women exhibited crepitus during activities like stair climbing and walking. 52% of women tested positive on the Waldron Test. 60% of women showed positive findings on the Eccentric Step-down Test. Conclusion: It concluded that there is significant Patellofemoral Joint Dysfunction in obese postmenopausal women.

The Influence of Social Media on Millennial Generation Community Participation in Sports Activities

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to estimate Patellofemoral Joint Dysfunction in obese postmenopausal women. Methods: Depending on selection criteria, 100 obese postmenopausal women were selected by simple random sampling method. Written consent was taken and a detailed outcome assessment was done by using a Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain assessment, Range of motion of hip, knee, ankle joint, Waldron Test, Eccentric Step-down Test, and Quadriceps angle. Statistical analysis was done and results were obtained. Findings: Among the 100 participants, 63% of women experienced pain during their daily activities. The mean pain intensity at rest was 2.25 ± 1.91, and during activity, it increased to 3.28 ± 6.60 (p value < 0.0001). The range of motion in the hip, knee, and ankle joints was reduced compared to that of individuals in the same age group without pain. Specifically, Hip extension-adduction, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion-inversion-eversion had a p value of <0.0001. For hip flexion-abduction-medial and lateral rotation, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion, the p values were 0.0003, 0.1952, 0.0001, 0.003, 0.0392, and 0.0333. Additionally, 35% of women had quadriceps angles greater than 180 degrees, while the remaining 65% had angles less than 180 degrees. 63% of women exhibited crepitus during activities like stair climbing and walking. 52% of women tested positive on the Waldron Test. 60% of women showed positive findings on the Eccentric Step-down Test. Conclusion: It concluded that there is significant Patellofemoral Joint Dysfunction in obese postmenopausal women.

Association Between Diet Quality and Abdominal Obesity in Postmenopausal Women With Overweight and Obesity

Association Between Diet Quality and Abdominal Obesity in Postmenopausal Women With Overweight and Obesity

Factors Associated with Metabolic Abnormalities in None-Obese and Obese Postmenopausal Women

Factors Associated with Metabolic Abnormalities in None-Obese and Obese Postmenopausal Women

Mammary adipocytes promote breast tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis in the context of menopause and obesity

The mechanism(s) underlying obesity-related postmenopausal (PM) breast cancer (BC) are not clearly understood. We hypothesized that the increased local presence of ‘obese’ mammary adipocytes within the BC microenvironment promotes the acquisition of an invasive and angiogenic BC cell phenotype and accelerates tumor proliferation and progression. BC cells, treated with primary mammary adipocyte secretome from premenopausal (Pre-M) and PM obese women (ObAdCM; obese adipocyte conditioned-media) upregulated the expression of several pro-tumorigenic factors including VEGF, lipocalin-2 and IL-6. Both Pre-M and PM ObAdCM stimulated endothelial cell recruitment and proliferation and significantly stimulated BC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. IL-6 and LCN2 induced STAT3/Akt signaling in BC cells and STAT3 inhibition abrogated the ObAdCM-stimulated BC cell proliferation and migration. Expression of proangiogenic regulators including VEGF, NRP1, NRP2, IL8RB, TGFβ2, and TSP-1 were found to be differentially regulated in mammary adipocytes from obese PM women. Comparative RNAseq indicated an upregulation of PI3K/Akt signaling, ECM-receptor interactions and lipid/fatty acid metabolism in PM versus Pre-M mammary adipocytes. Our results demonstrate that irrespective of menopausal status, cross-talk between obese mammary adipocytes and BC cells promotes tumor aggressiveness and suggest that targeting the LCN2/IL-6/STAT3 signaling axis may be a useful strategy in obesity-driven breast tumorigenesis.

Effect of whole-body vibration on blood pressure in obese postmenopausal women. A randomized controlled study

Background. Menopause constitutes a natural biological process that reflects the end of the reproductive life of women and has been related to elevated risk factors for multiple strokes. Multiple studies have revealed that healthy women during menopause have increased abdominal obesity, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP) besides reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Aim. We aim to determine the impact of whole body vibration (WBV) on BP and blood lipid profile in obese postmenopausal women. Subjects and methods. Our study enrolled 30 postmenopausal women with hypertension (HTN) who were aged 55–65 years old and had a BMI of 30–34.9 Kg/m2. An experienced physician diagnosed the participants with either pre-HTN or stage 1 HTN, with BP measurements of 140/90–159/99 mmHg. The participants were assigned into two equal groups (n = 15) in a random manner. Group A received a dietary regimen, whereas Group B received the dietary regimen along with a two-month whole body vibration (WBV) training program for 30 min, 3 sessions/week. Measurements were obtained for all participants, including their BP and serum TC, TG, HDL, and LDL levels pre- and post-therapy. Results. The results demonstrated that average systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), TC, TG, and LDL values significantly decreased in both groups, with a significant reduction favoring group B. Additionally, the average HDL value exhibited a statistically significant increase in both groups, with a significant increase favoring group B. Conclusion. WBV conjugated with a suitable nutritional intervention is considered a safe, user-friendly, and highly efficient physical therapy strategy for ameliorating blood lipid levels and lowering BP in postmenopausal women with HTN.

Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for Weight Loss in Post-Menopausal Obese Women: A Retrospective Chart Review

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate weight change and analyze adverse events in post-menopausal obese women with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for weight loss.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for medical records of 115 post-menopausal obese women (body mass index, BMI≥25 kg/m2) who were administered with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for 12 weeks for the purpose of weight loss. Weight, skeletal muscle ratio and BMI changes were compared before and after the program. Adverse events were evaluated by causality, severity and system-organ classes.Results: A total of 115 patients were included in this study. The average total weight loss in post-menopausal women was 5.72±2.04kg(p<0.001) and the average weight loss rate was 8.06±2.70%(p<0.001). After the 12-week program, the body fat rate was significantly decreased(3.76±2.20%)(p<0.001) and the skeletal muscle ratio was significantly increased(2.07±1.24%)(p<0.001). There were no significant differences in weight loss, skeletal muscle ratio change and body fat rate change depending on the number of hospital visits. Insomnia was frequently reported throughout the period, and no serious adverse events were reported.Conclusions: This study showed the potential that weight management treatment with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang could be a good way to lose weight of post-menopausal obese women without serious adverse events. Continuous well designed clinical studies are needed.

The effect of radiofrequency treatment on insulin resistance in obese post-menopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

The effect of radiofrequency treatment on insulin resistance in obese post-menopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract PO3-19-02: White Button Mushroom and Biomarkers of Immune Cell and Inflammatory Responses in Obese Postmenopausal Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer

Abstract Background: White Button Mushroom (WBM), Agaricus bisporus, has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. Oral WBM mitigated the effects of a high fat diet on hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in ovariectomized mice. A Phase I trial of WBM in men with prostate cancer demonstrated decreased myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in those with decreased PSA; MDSC have been linked to different cancers, including breast, and conditions of chronic inflammation. Design: This is a preliminary evidence trail in postmenopausal, obese women at high risk of breast cancer with a single intervention arm of 14g of WBM taken as 28 tablets daily for 3 months to assess effects on inflammation. Participants undergo a physical exam, measuring height, weight, and waist circumference, an optional fine needle aspiration (FNA) of breast tissue, a blood draw, a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour food recall at baseline and final visits. Participants are contacted monthly for tolerance and adherence. Blood samples and FNA adipose are used for metabolic measurements and processed for biomarkers of inflammation and immune response. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) will be used for RNA single-cell analysis to assess for immune cell profiles and expression with an interest in evaluating MDSC. Red blood cells will be assessed for fatty acid profiles. Eligibility: Postmenopausal, obese (BMI ≥30, Asian ≥25) women with high risk for breast cancer who can swallow pills are eligible. Patients are high risk if their relative risk of breast cancer is ≥2 times that of the general population; this includes women with a strong family history, a genetic mutation associated with hereditary breast cancer, a high-risk breast histology, Gail model 5-year risk >1.67, or a previous history of stage I-II breast cancer. Participants are excluded for an active malignancy within 5 years, ongoing active or preventative cancer treatment, or lab abnormalities of serum creatinine and total bilirubin >1.5 the upper limit of normal, hemoglobin of < 9.0 g/dL, platelets of < 100,000/mm3, or a total white blood cell count of < 3,500/mm3. Participants cannot be taking mushroom supplements, immunosuppressants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Specific Aims: This study aims to evaluate the effects of WBM on regulating immune response and inflammation in obese women at high risk for breast cancer. Our primary objective is the assessment of PBMC, specifically MDSC immune profiles before and after treatment. Our secondary objective is to evaluate changes in biomarkers of inflammation, immune cell profiles in breast adipose tissue, BMI, waist circumference, and metabolic biomarkers. Additionally, the study aims to assess tolerability of the WBM dose and effects on diet quality. Statistical Methods: 26 patients will provide 80% power to detect a change in %MDSC of -0.67, assuming a standard deviation of 1.15, and a 2-sided type I error of 5%. We will have similar power to evaluate changes in other immune subsets, inflammatory markers, metabolic markers, anthropometric measurements, and diet quality. FNA adipose tissue analysis will be used as a safety signal to evaluate the potential for unwanted inflammation with taking WBM. 13 patients with FNA will provide 80% power to detect a change of 85% of the standard deviation of the difference in the measure of biomarkers such as Interleukin-6 with a 2-sided type I error of 5%. As a safety signal, the signal will be reported without adjustment for multiple comparisons. Any conclusions based on such secondary endpoints will make note of the multiple comparison issue. Accrual: The accrual target is 26 evaluable patients with an estimated need to enroll 31. The study has enrolled 27 patients, 14 completed the study and 5 are currently on treatment. 8 participants were removed; 3 never started treatment, 1 was diagnosed with breast cancer, and 4 had other medical issues preventing continuation. Contact: Jessica Dzubnar, MD: jdzubnar@coh.org Citation Format: Jessica Dzubnar, Lisa Yee, Shiuan Chen. White Button Mushroom and Biomarkers of Immune Cell and Inflammatory Responses in Obese Postmenopausal Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-19-02.

The effects of intermittent fasting diet on quality of life, clinical symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known as a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder that primarily targets synovial joints, and may cause pain and functional limitations. Studies show diet can have beneficial effects on symptoms and oxidative stress of this disease. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach with cycles of fasting and intake. The current study aims to investigate the effect of IF on quality of life, clinical symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese postmenopausal women with RA.MethodsThe current study is a randomized clinical trial, in which 44 patients with mild to moderate severity of RA will be randomly allocated to receive either IF (n = 22) or the usual diet (n = 22) for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measures and biochemical indicators including serum concentrations of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c-reactive protein (CRP), and total oxidant and antioxidant capacity (TOC and TAC) will be assessed at the baseline and end of the study. Also, disease severity will be assessed by Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) and clinical disease activity index (CDAI), and disability index will be assessed by Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) questionnaire.DiscussionStudies show fasting has beneficial effects on inflammatory markers and results in an improvement in the health of different populations. Literature review shows it seems there is no study in this field to evaluate the effects of IF on RA patients, and they are limited to other types of fasting. However, studies show IF can have many positive effects on chronic and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, IF may have positive effects on these patients.Trial registrationIRCT20230217057441N1. Registered on 14 February 2023. https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/68669.

Association between bone health and dynapenic obesity in postmenopausal women.

The combination of dynapenia (age-related muscle weakness) and obesity is referred to as dynapenic obesity. We examined the associations between dynapenic obesity and cortical bone thickness and trabecular bone density. The participants were 797 community-dwelling postmenopausal women (with an average age of 62.5 years) who were stratified into normopenia without obesity, dynapenia without obesity (dynapenia), normopenia with obesity (obesity) and dynapenia with obesity (dynapenia obesity) groups based on their grip strength and body fat percentage. Cortical bone thickness and trabecular bone density were measured using ultrasonic bone densitometry. The participants were further divided into those with low cortical bone thickness and low trabecular bone density. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors. Individuals with dynapenia (odds ratio [OR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-2.68), obesity (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.62-3.75) and dynapenic obesity (OR 4.07, 95% CI 2.44-6.79) all significantly increased the odds of low cortical bone thickness. Conversely, the odds of low trabecular bone density were significantly lower in the obesity group (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.99) and dynapenic obesity group (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.97). Dynapenic obesity was found to be associated with cortical bone thinning that might compromise bone health. Postmenopausal women with dynapenic obesity might need to be closely monitored for preserving bone health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 378-384.

Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for Weight Loss in Post-Menopausal Obese Women: A Retrospective Chart Review

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate weight change and analyze adverse events in post-menopausal obese women with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for weight loss.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for medical records of 115 post-menopausal obese women (body mass index, BMI≥25 kg/m2) who were administered with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang for 12 weeks for the purpose of weight loss. Weight, skeletal muscle ratio and BMI changes were compared before and after the program. Adverse events were evaluated by causality, severity and system-organ classes.Results: A total of 115 patients were included in this study. The average total weight loss in post-menopausal women was 5.72±2.04kg(p<0.001) and the average weight loss rate was 8.06±2.70%(p<0.001). After the 12-week program, the body fat rate was significantly decreased(3.76±2.20%)(p<0.001) and the skeletal muscle ratio was significantly increased(2.07±1.24%)(p<0.001). There were no significant differences in weight loss, skeletal muscle ratio change and body fat rate change depending on the number of hospital visits. Insomnia was frequently reported throughout the period, and no serious adverse events were reported.Conclusions: This study showed the potential that weight management treatment with Gamitaeeumjowee-tang could be a good way to lose weight of post-menopausal obese women without serious adverse events. Continuous well designed clinical studies are needed.

Automatic segmentation of skeletal muscles from MR images using modified U-Net and a novel data augmentation approach.

Rapid and accurate muscle segmentation is essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of many musculoskeletal diseases. As gold standard, manual annotation suffers from intensive labor and high inter-operator reproducibility errors. In this study, deep learning (DL) based automatic muscle segmentation from MR scans is investigated for post-menopausal women, who normally experience a decline in muscle volume. The performance of four Deep Learning (DL) models was evaluated: U-Net and UNet++ and two modified U-Net networks, which combined feature fusion and attention mechanisms (Feature-Fusion-UNet, FFU, and Attention-Feature-Fusion-UNet, AFFU). The models were tested for automatic segmentation of 16-lower limb muscles from MRI scans of two cohorts of post-menopausal women (11 subjects in PMW-1, 8 subjects in PMW-2; from two different studies so considered independent datasets) and 10 obese post-menopausal women (PMW-OB). Furthermore, a novel data augmentation approach is proposed to enlarge the training dataset. The results were assessed and compared by using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), relative volume error (RVE), and Hausdorff distance (HD). The best performance among all four DL models was achieved by AFFU (PMW-1: DSC 0.828 ± 0.079, 1-RVE 0.859 ± 0.122, HD 29.9mm ± 26.5mm; PMW-2: DSC 0.833 ± 0.065, 1-RVE 0.873 ± 0.105, HD 25.9mm ± 27.9mm; PMW-OB: DSC 0.862 ± 0.048, 1-RVE 0.919 ± 0.076, HD 34.8mm ± 46.8mm). Furthermore, the augmentation of data significantly improved the DSC scores of U-Net and AFFU for all 16 tested muscles (between 0.23% and 2.17% (DSC), 1.6%-1.93% (1-RVE), and 9.6%-19.8% (HD) improvement). These findings highlight the feasibility of utilizing DL models for automatic segmentation of muscles in post-menopausal women and indicate that the proposed augmentation method can enhance the performance of models trained on small datasets.

A cross-sectional study of the association between breastfeeding history and overweight/obesity in postmenopausal women.

This study endeavors to augment comprehension of the association between breastfeeding and maternal weight within Asian populations. Data were obtained from the comprehensive 2011 research titled "Risk Evaluation of Cancers in Chinese Diabetic Individuals (REACTION): a longitudinal analysis," focusing specifically on postmenopausal women residing in the metropolitan precincts of Guiyang. It presents a cross-sectional study involving 5,987 parous postmenopausal women, aged 60.1 ± 6.9 years, who underwent assessments of body mass index and waist-to-height ratio. The probability of excessive weight or obesity was evaluated in relation to the aggregate duration of breastfeeding, using single-factor and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Following multiple adjustments for different confounders, the odds ratios (ORs) demonstrated that women who had borne a single child and breastfed for more than 12 months exhibited an increased prevalence of excessive weight (body mass index ≥24 kg/m 2 ) in contrast to those who abstained from breastfeeding (model I: OR, 1.481; 95% confidence interval, 1.124-1.952; P = 0.005; model II: OR, 1.471; 95% confidence interval, 1.113-1.944; P = 0.007). Conversely, among the subset of women who had given birth to two or more children, no noteworthy associations emerged between breastfeeding duration and the propensity for excessive weight or obesity (all models). In the Asian population, the duration of breastfeeding does not appear to be necessarily linked to the prevalence of overweight or obesity in postmenopausal women.

The Effect of High Intensity Interval Training and Resistance Training in Altering Body Composition of Obese Postmenopausal Women

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) andResistance training (RT) on obese postmenopausal women in altering body composition.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of High Intensity Interval Training and Resistance Training in alteringbody composition of post-menopausal womenMaterials and Methods: Twenty obese postmenopausal women randomly selected from Poongothai hospital, karur were divided into two groups using concealed envelope method. Group “A” was given HIIT threetimes a week and Group “B” was given RT three times a week for four weeks. Body mass index (BMI), WaistCircumference (WC), Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) were used to evaluate body composition at two intervals (pre andpost intervention).Study period:October 2022 to June 2023.Results: Statistical analysis show that there is a significant change within the group for BMI, WC, and WHR preand post intervention with a p<0.0001 for both groups A and B. The mean value of HIIT group was 30.2 using BMI,92.90 using WC, 0.92 using WHR, whereas the mean values of RT was 30.4 using BMI, 93.0 using WC, 0.94 usingWHR As a result, the findings are not statistically as the differences were small.Conclusion: According to the findings, obese postmenopausal women who took part in the HIIT Group showsconsiderable reduction in body composition than RT Group.

Features of gynecological status and concomitant morbidity in menopausal women with resistant rheumatoid arthritis and obesity

Oftentimes, women with RA experience remission during pregnancy. The beneficial effect of pregnancy on the RA course is associated with a specific hormonal status, including high levels of estriol and progesterone that have known anti-inflammatory effects. After childbirth, decreased endogenous production of steroids can trigger the onset or exacerbation of RA.Objective. Studying of the characteristics of the gynecological status and concomitant extragenital diseases in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) depending on the presence of obesity.Materials and methods. 394 postmenopausal women with RA (diagnosed according to ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria) were included. By decision of the medical commission, all patients were approved for therapy with genetically engineered biological drugs and/or JAK kinase inhibitors. Before inclusion in the study, all patients had a detailed medical history, an allergic history, registered comorbidities, and a physical and laboratory-instrumental examination. Depending on the BMI values, the study participants were divided into groups. Group A included 103 obese patients of any severity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Group B included 291 women with BMI <30 kg/m2. Patients with an inflammatory process were found to have groups of inflammation by age and duration of RA (p > 0.05).Results. In patients of group A, more often than in patients of group B, comorbidities were detected: hypertension (p < 0.0001), coronary heart disease (p = 0.03), history of “vascular accidents” (p = 0.0009), especially acute cerebrovascular accident (p = 0.004), type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0005), which manifest themselves over the age of 45, that is, during the perimenopause. When correcting the gynecological history data, he draws attention to the fact that group A patients are more likely to operate surgically and on the pelvic organs: more had the uterus removed (p = 0.002) or ovarian resection was performed (p < 0.0001), and the frequency of surgical menopause in group A was higher than in group B (p = 0.0009). The debut of RA on average chronologically coincided with the onset of menopause (p = 0.01). At the same time, in the average age of the onset of menopause, it is rare (p > 0.05). The number of women who had a history of pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriages and abortions in the groups were repeated (p > 0.05). But in group A, the average number of pregnancies (p = 0.003) and abortions (p = 0.004) per woman was higher than in group B.Conclusion. The results of the study revealed the identification of clinical manifestations of inflammation and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, depending on the presence of concomitant obesity in postmenopausal women, as well as a rarer occurrence of osteoporosis in women with RA and concomitant obesity.

Trop T, hand grip strength and waist circumference as markers of sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women: An analytical cross-sectional study

Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity is defined as age-associated histological changes and adiposity in muscles that impair muscle function. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia suggested hand grip strength (HGS) and gait speed for screening sarcopenia. Troponin is a putative biomarker of muscle health. The study aims to evaluate Trop T, HGS, and waist circumference (WC) as markers of sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy postmenopausal women. Anthropometric measurements, HGS, and gait speed were documented. Postmenopausal women were identified as sarcopenic obesity with the following criteria: (a) The cut-points for weak handgrip strength (kg) for women as <18 in Asians (b) WC ≥85 cm in women. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein (LDLc), and high sensitive troponin T levels were estimated in the automated biochemistry analyser. Results: About 33% sarcopenic obesity was observed in postmenopausal women aged 56 to 60 years. WC (93 cm) and body mass index (29.64) were increased in sarcopenic obese. Decreased HGS (9.44 kg) and increased gait speed (13.62 s) were observed in sarcopenic obese as compared to non-sarcopenic obese women. Increased troponin T (0.068 ng/mL), small dense LDLc (mmol/L), LDLc, non-HDLc, and decreased HDLc were observed in sarcopenic obese postmenopausal women. Receiver’s operating characteristic curve: sensitivity of waist circumference, HGS, gait, and troponin T were 97% (area under the curve [AUC] 0.76), 83% (AUC 0.84), 82% (AUC 0.76) and 67% (AUC 0.77), respectively. Conclusion: Measurement of waist circumference, hand grip strength, and gait are diagnostic tools of sarcopenic obesity that divulges the quality of postmenopausal life.

The effect of aquatic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on bone metabolism in postmenopausal obese women

Background/ObjectiveDespite prevalence of studies indicating the positive effect of land-based exercise on bone metabolism, there are limited findings regarding the effect of aquatic exercise. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aquatic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on femur bone mineral density (BMD), serum 25(OH)D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in postmenopausal obese women with vitamin D insufficiency. Methods40 postmenopausal obese women were randomly divided into four groups of aquatic training + vitamin D3 intake group; (ATD), aquatic training with placebo intake group (AT), vitamin D3 intake group (D), and control group with placebo intake (CON). AT groups performed aerobic aquatic exercises for 8 weeks. Vitamin D3 supplementation groups consumed oral dose of 4000 IU/d for 8 weeks. ResultsThe femur BMD was significantly higher in the ATD than the AT and D and CON groups; in AT it was higher than the D and CON groups. Serum 25(OH)D level in the ATD was more than AT and CON, and in the D was more than the CON and AT. PTH in the ATD group was lower compared to AT, D, and CON groups. PTH was lower in the AT and D compared to the CON. ConclusionIn postmenopausal obese women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, combining vitamin D supplementation and aquatic training was the most effective method for improving bone metabolism; Vitamin D supplementation (alone) was not sufficient to affect some of bone metabolism indices; Aquatic training could not improve serum vitamin D. By priority, ATD, AT, and D indicated better bone related metabolism indices.