Postmenopausal Complications Research Articles

Insights into the genetics of menopausal vasomotor symptoms: genome-wide analyses of routinely-collected primary care health records

BackgroundVasomotor symptoms (VMS) can often significantly impact women’s quality of life at menopause. In vivo studies have shown that increased neurokinin B (NKB) / neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) signalling contributes to VMS, with previous genetic studies implicating the TACR3 gene locus that encodes NK3R. Large-scale genomic analyses offer the possibility of biological insights but few such studies have collected data on VMS, while proxy phenotypes such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use are likely to be affected by changes in clinical practice. We investigated the genetic basis of VMS by analysing routinely-collected health records.MethodsWe performed a GWAS of VMS derived from linked primary-care records and cross-sectional self-reported HRT use in up to 153,152 women from UK Biobank, a population-based cohort. In a subset of this cohort (n = 39,356), we analysed exome-sequencing data to test the association with VMS of rare deleterious genetic variants. Finally, we used Mendelian randomisation analysis to investigate the reasons for HRT use over time.ResultsOur GWAS of health-records derived VMS identified a genetic signal near TACR3 associated with a lower risk of VMS (OR=0.76 (95% CI 0.72,0.80) per A allele, P=3.7x10-27), which was consistent with previous studies, validating this approach. Conditional analyses demonstrated independence of genetic signals for puberty timing and VMS at the TACR3 locus, including a rare variant predicted to reduce functional NK3R levels that was associated with later menarche (P = 5 × 10–9) but showed no association with VMS (P = 0.6). Younger menopause age was causally-associated with greater HRT use before 2002 but not after.ConclusionsWe provide support for TACR3 in the genetic basis of VMS but unexpectedly find that rare genomic variants predicted to lower NK3R levels did not modify VMS, despite the proven efficacy of NK3R antagonists. Using genomics we demonstrate changes in genetic associations with HRT use over time, arising from a change in clinical practice since the early 2000s, which is likely to reflect a switch from preventing post-menopausal complications in women with earlier menopause to primarily treating VMS. Our study demonstrates that integrating routinely-collected primary care health records and genomic data offers great potential for exploring the genetic basis of symptoms.

Genistein: a promising modulator of apoptosis and survival signaling in cancer.

Genistein, a commonly occurring isoflavone, has recently gained popularity owing to its ever-expanding spectrum of pharmacological benefits. In addition to health benefits such as improved bone health and reduced postmenopausal complications owing to its phytoestrogen properties, it has been widely evaluated for its anti-cancer potential. Several studies have established the potential for its usage in the management of breast, lung, and prostate cancers, and its usage has significantly evolved from early applications in traditional systems of medicine. This review offers an insight into its current status of usage, the chemistry, and pharmacokinetics of the molecule, an exploration of its apoptotic mechanisms in cancer management, and opportunities for synergism to improve therapeutic outcomes. In addition to this, the authors have presented an overview of recent clinical trials, to offer an understanding of contemporary studies and explore prospects for a greater number of focused trials, moving forward. Advancements in the application of nanotechnology as a strategy to improve safety and efficacy have also been highlighted, with a brief discussion of results from safety and toxicology studies.

Review on Cynodon dactylon with Special Reference to Manage Postmenopausal Complications

Review on Cynodon dactylon with Special Reference to Manage Postmenopausal Complications

L–arginine alleviates postmenopausal complications in female rats by stimulating ovarian dopamine beta hydroxylase

Objective: To evaluate the levels of estrogen, albumin and gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone) as well as the activity of dopamine beta hydroxylase (DAß H) in aged female rats treated with nitric oxide precursor L-arginine and neuronal nitric oxide synthase antagonist L-NAME. Methods: A total of 224 Wistar rats (36 weeks old, weighing 250 g) based on a random sampling were divided into the control and experimental groups after Pap smear test. The control group received only saline (1 mL/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.). The experiential groups were treated with L-arginine (5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) and L-NAME (5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 to 21 days, once a day. Blood samples were taken from the rats and the levels of estrogen and albumin and gonadotropins in the serum were monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and the ovaries were examined immunohistopathologically for DAßH activity. Results: L-arginine (5 mg/kg) significantly increased estrogen level (P<0.05), which was associated with DAßH activation in the ovaries. L-NAME reduced this effect when administered prior to L-arginine dose. L-arginine caused no significant change in the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Except for the lowest dose of L-arginine in the shortest period, albumin levels significantly decreased in other treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: L-arginine is likely to reduce postmenopausal problems due to an increased nitric oxide level.

Comparing the effects of face-to-face versus phone counseling based on cognitive-behavioral therapy for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

Menopause is associated with complications that may affect quality of life, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. This study aimed to compare the effects of phone versus face-to-face counseling based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women. In this study, 40 eligible postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to face-to-face (n = 20) and phone counseling methods (n = 20). Six counseling sessions were held weekly for each person, and the women were requested to record their hot flashes (HF) and night sweats (NS) in a diary. HF and NS were measured at baseline, and 6 and 8 weeks after the completion of intervention. Data were analyzed using χ2, repeated measures ANCOVA, and independent t-test. Means of weekly hot flashes and night sweats decreased after intervention in both groups (face-to-face group: HF frequency from 31.92 ± 7.98 to 18.83 ± 7.35, HF severity from 2.24 ± 0.28 to 1.21 ± 0.23, HF duration from 4.22 ± 1.17 min to 2.79 ± 0.91 min, NS frequency from 2.34 ± 0.31 to 1.21 ± 0.24 and NS severity from 1.70 ± 0.34 to 1.03 ± 0.29; and also in the phone counseling group: HF frequency from 33.32 ± 7.77 to 19.53 ± 7.7, HF severity from 2.23 ± 0.24 to 1.20 ± 0.18, HF duration from 4.29 ± 1.23 min to 2.68 ± 0.95 min, NS frequency from 2.33 ± 0.31 to 1.14 ± 0.16 and NS severity from 1.59 ± 0.34 to 1.01 ± 0.30). Although the differences within each group were significant (p < 0.001), there was no significant difference between the groups after the intervention in terms of HF frequency, severity, and duration, as well as NS frequency and severity (p > 0.05). Face-to-face and phone counseling methods based on CBT had a similar effect on reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Both methods can be used for women with postmenopausal complications such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Estrogenic Effect of Salvia officinalis Extract on Reproductive Function of Female Mice and Identification of Its Phenolic Content.

Natural Phytoestrogens present in plants are effective hormonal replacement therapy. They are converted to estrogenic substances in the gastrointestinal tract, which is considered as the natural alternative to estrogen substitute treatment for postmenopausal women. Salvia officinalis, a herb traditionally used to ameliorate postmenopausal complications, can provide a safe alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of menopause. Therefore, it is conceivable to detect the possible estrogenic effect of Salvia Officinalis extract as an estrogen replacement therapy in female mice. Phytochemical, pharmacological, and immune histopathological techniques are adopted in this study. HPLC is used for the identification of extracted constituents of sage herb. The uterotrophic activity of the extract was determined in immature female mice. Moreover, the mean thickness and luminal epithelium and the photomicrographs of the luminal epithelium of the uterus were also studied. HPLC revealed that quercetin is the major extracted constituent (28.6%) of the total components. Saliva officinalis extract produced a significant increase in the uterine dry weight of equal potency to estrogen. The uterus exhibited a significant increase in luminal epithelial cell height (43.3 ± 6.1μm and 36.5 ± 2.5μm) for estradiol and sage extract, respectively, compared with the control group (18.2 ± 3.5μm). Furthermore, the endometrium showed the lining epithelium formed of a single layer of columnar epithelium. The stroma seemed more voluminous with dilated vasculature. Conversely, the myometrium within the uterus was not affected in any of the experimental groups. The sage herbs induced proliferative changes in the uteri of treated mice, which suggest possible estrogenic properties. Saliva officinalis extract can be used as a hormonal replacement for women during menopause and could be further explored for contraceptive use.

Pharmacological Activity of Dried Kernels of Juglans regia on Ovotoxicity Induced Post-Menopausal Complications in Female Rats

Pharmacological Activity of Dried Kernels of Juglans regia on Ovotoxicity Induced Post-Menopausal Complications in Female Rats

Effects of quercetin and vitamin E on ovariectomy-induced oxidative stress in rat serum and tibia

Paper description: Estrogen deficiency after ovariectomy induces an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defense system, leading to oxidative stress and resulting complications. Administration of either quercetin or vitamin E improved oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats. However, the coadministration of quercetin and vitamin E had a weaker improving effect than when either compound was applied alone. Ovariectomy-induced oxidative stress could be ameliorated by administration of either quercetin or vitamin E and could alleviate ovariectomy-induced dysfunction. Abstract: Estrogen deficiency after menopause accelerates redox imbalance, leading to oxidative stress (OS) and other postmenopausal complications such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. In the present study, the effects of quercetin (Q), vitamin E (vitE) and estradiol (E2) on the oxidative status in ovariectomized (OVX) rats were investigated. OVX animals were treated with Q (15 mg/kg/day), vitE (60 mg/kg/day), E2 (10 µg/kg/day) and Q (7.5 mg/kg/day)+vitE (30 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks. OS markers were analyzed in the serum and tibia of rats. Data indicated that after ovariectomy, rats exhibited a reduction in serum and tibia antioxidants and elevation of oxidant markers. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (AOEs), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase were decreased and the glutathione (GSH) content was reduced, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was increased. Treatment with Q, vitE and E2 markedly reversed these changes and improved OS. In conclusion, prevention by antioxidant agents, including Q and vitE, could be a potential approach in the management of menopause-related complications. https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS191115003V Received: November 15, 2019; Revised: December 15, 2019; Accepted: January 13, 2020; Published online: January 20, 2020 How to cite this article: Vakili S, Zal F, Mostafavipour Z, Savardashtaki A, Jafari Khorchani M, Hassanpour A. Effects of quercetin and vitamin E on ovariectomy-induced oxidative stress in ratserum and tibia. Arch Biol Sci. 2020;72(1):95-104.

Effect of Trigonella foenum (fenugreek) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women

Background and Objective:Menopause forms one-third of women's lives. During this period, many women continue their sexual activities. One of the most prevalent postmenopausal complications is vaginal atrophy whose symptoms could have destructive effects on the life quality among postmenopausal women. Complications of using estrogen hormone to improve these symptoms are inevitable. One of the objectives of the present study is the assessment of the vaginal cream of Fenugreek on vaginal inflammation of atrophic vaginitis in postmenopausal women.Materials and Methods:For assessment of the effect of fenugreek vaginal cream among postmenopausal women who suffer from vaginal atrophy, the present study was carried out in the form of a double-blind clinical trial among sixty postmenopausal women, mainly who had been referred to Health Center 1 located in the east of Ahvaz in 2017. All participants of the present study who were diagnosed with vaginal atrophy were assigned into two groups of 30 randomly. One of these groups received placebo and the other one fenugreek 5% vaginal cream for a period of 8 weeks. Symptoms related to vaginal atrophy were investigated by means of a 4-degree scale (none, mild, moderate, and severe) and maturation vaginal index (MVI) through preparing the vaginal smears technique at baseline and a period of 8 weeks after cytology and intervention experiment. Finally, the process of analyzing statistical data, at a statistical significance level of 0.05, was carried out by means of SPSS Software.Results:The results of the present study demonstrated that the fenugreek vaginal cream treatment group experienced a significant improvement in vaginal atrophy symptoms compared to the onset of the study (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Fenugreek vaginal cream was effective in treating vaginal atrophy; therefore, postmenopausal women are recommended to use this cream instead of synthetic estrogen to reduce the complications of this hormone.

The effect of Cornus mas fruit extract consumption on lipid profile, glycemic indices, and leptin in postmenopausal women-A randomized clinical trial.

Menopause, which occurs following a declined ovarian activity and reduced estrogen levels, can lead to long-term changes in lipid and glycemic profiles and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which appears to be useful in reducing the postmenopausal complications. This interventional, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial carried out on 84 menopaused women aged 45-60 years old. They were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group received three capsules of 300 mg of Cornus mas extract (CME), and control group received three capsules of 300 mg of starch powder per day for 8 weeks. Then, BMI, waist circumference, glycemic indices, lipid profile, serum apoproteinase, apoprotein B100, fibrinogen, and leptin were measured. The dietary intakes were evaluated using 24-hr dietary recall questionnaire. The consumption of CME in comparison with the control group resulted in a significant reduction in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, LDL to HDL ratio, total cholesterol to HDL ratio, and fibrinogen. There was also a significant increase in HDL and ApoA1 levels in the treatment group. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in BMI, waist circumference, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance index after 8 weeks of using CME. Summing up the results, it can be concluded that CME can have possible effects on decreasing BMI, waist circumference, and improving some aspects of lipid profile and glycemic indices in postmenopausal women.

Natural menstrual rhythm and oral contraception diversely affect exhaled breath compositions

Natural menstrual cycle and/or oral contraception diversely affect women metabolites. Longitudinal metabolic profiling under constant experimental conditions is thereby realistic to understand such effects. Thus, we investigated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exhalation throughout menstrual cycles in 24 young and healthy women with- and without oral contraception. Exhaled VOCs were identified and quantified in trace concentrations via high-resolution real-time mass-spectrometry, starting from a menstruation and then repeated follow-up with six intervals including the next bleeding. Repeated measurements within biologically comparable groups were employed under optimized measurement setup. We observed pronounced and substance specific changes in exhaled VOC concentrations throughout all cycles with low intra-individual variations. Certain blood-borne volatiles changed significantly during follicular and luteal phases. Most prominent changes in endogenous VOCs were observed at the ovulation phase with respect to initial menstruation. Here, the absolute median abundances of alveolar ammonia, acetone, isoprene and dimethyl sulphide changed significantly (P-value ≤ 0.005) by 18.22↓, 13.41↓, 18.02↑ and 9.40↓%, respectively. These VOCs behaved in contrast under the presence of combined oral contraception; e.g. isoprene decreased significantly by 30.25↓%. All changes returned to initial range once the second bleeding phase was repeated. Changes in exogenous benzene, isopropanol, limonene etc. and smoking related furan, acetonitrile and orally originated hydrogen sulphide were rather nonspecific and mainly exposure dependent. Our observations could apprehend a number of known/pre-investigated metabolic effects induced by monthly endocrine regulations. Potential in vivo origins (e.g. metabolic processes) of VOCs are crucial to realize such effects. Despite ubiquitous confounders, we demonstrated the true strength of volatolomics for metabolic monitoring of menstrual cycle and contraceptives. These outcomes may warrant further studies in this direction to enhance our fundamental and clinical understanding on menstrual metabolomics and endocrinology. Counter-effects of contraception can be deployed for future noninvasive assessment of birth control pills. Our findings could be translated toward metabolomics of pregnancy, menopause and post-menopausal complications via breath analysis.

Прогнозування виникнення клімактеричного синдрому тяжкого ступеня у жінок з ендометріозом у період менопаузи

Every year, the number of women entering the menopause increases. This period is often complicated by the development of climacteric syndrome (CS). The frequency of this pathology, according to various authors, varies from 40 to 75%. The problem of CS is extremely relevant for patients with endometriosis, which account for about 50% of the female population in perimenopause. Climacteric disorders lead to temporary, and sometimes, full loss of ability to work, worsening the quality of life in the period of the highest social and professional activity. Taking into account the above-mentioned, the timely formation of high-risk groups of CS’ development and the creation of prognostic models, which will allow to determine in time the probability of occurrence of severe forms of CS in each individual case, to appoint differentiated prophylaxis and adequate therapy, in order to reduce the number of postmenopausal complications. The objective: high risk stratification of severe menopausal symptoms in women with endometriosis. Materials and methods. By the specially designed questionnaire were surveyed 128 women aged 39 to 55 years, of which 72 patients with endometriosis and severe climacteric syndrome and 56 women with endometriosis only. In order to check the reliability of the developed mathematical model for predicting the severe course of CS among women with endometriosis, 94 women were examined, of which 52 women with CS against the background of endometriosis and 42 women with endometriosis only. As a model, the method of stepwise discriminant analysis was used. To confirm the sensitivity of the created prognostic mathematical model, the relative risk (RR) of the severe CS’ development among women with endometriosis in perimenopause was calculated. The values of two discriminant functions (f1 and f2) were determined, the first of which showed the likelihood of an onset of a severe climacteric syndrome among women with endometriosis, and the second – denied such an opportunity. The received digital data were statistically processed using modern methods of variation statistics on the base of Microsoft Excel Office 2010 program with the application for absolute numbers – Student’s criterion, for the relative – the method of the angular transformation of Fisher. The difference between the compared values was considered probable at p&lt;0.05, which corresponded to a probability of 95%. Results. As a result of data analysis were identified nine key factors that most influenced the risk of serious forms of CS among women with endometriosis: stress anamnesis, the presence of harmful production factors, alcohol consumption, smoking, type of personality accentuation, ecological living conditions, the presence of anxiety, extragenital disease and surgical treatment of endometriosis in the anamnesis. During analyzing the frequency of severe menopausal syndrome in this group of patients the sensitivity of the mathematical model was confirmed – 90.38%: from 52 patients with severe CS against the background of endometriosis of 47 could be expected with medium or high degree of probability (RR 6.5; CI: 2.32–9,98). This confirms the high predictive accuracy of this mathematical model. Match of actual results with theoretical expectations in the high risk observed in 93.11%, average – 76. 92% and in the group of women with a low probability of occurrence of this disease, was not forecasted occurrence of severe CS in 87.18% of cases. Conclusion. Taking into account the obtained data, it can be argued that the developed algorithm and the mathematical model for prediction are highly sensitive, and their use will help to prioritize groups of women with high risk of development of severe CS against endometriosis, which will allow to take prophylactic measures to prevent the development of this pathology in the future. Key words: climacteric syndrome, endometriosis, risk prediction, discriminant analysis.

Soy Isoflavones (from Glycine max) in Menopause Health and Diseases

As per the third consensus meeting of Indian Menopause Society reports, the number of postmenopausal women in India is approximately 43 million and it is projected to be 103 million by 2026. While the average age for menopause in India is 47.5 years, there is an alarming increase of premature menopause among the Indian women has been reported recently. It has been observed that, nearly four per cent women of age group of 29-34 years attain menopause and its incidence increases to eight per cent in women of age group between 35 and 39 years. The reason for this early menopause is still unclear, but it is a major public health problem because of its influence on the development of components of metabolic syndrome. Despite HRT improves postmenopausal complications, the prolonged use of HRT was not recommended now due to its influence on the development of certain types of cancers; endometrial cancer and breast cancer in addition to its negative impact on cardiovascular diseases. Hence, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms which amenable for the pathogenesis of postmenopausal complications may open new clinical therapeutic targets for the management of these complications. Soy isoflavones, a natural phytoestrogen, which shares the structural and functional homogeneity with estrogen. Several studies have reported that soy isoflavones have beneficial effects against ovariectomy (surgical menopause) as well as diet induced metabolic complications in animal models; however, its efficacy in terms of improving metabolic complications associated with postmenopausal state is largely unclear.

Study of Types of Menopause and Post-Menopausal Complications in North Indian Population

Total 90 (Ninety) post menopausal women between 45--60Age were studied, and their types of menopause was classified into three groups (.a)-70 women had normal or physiological menopause. had hot flushes 18(25.7%). Depression and Emotional disturbances 17(24.2%), osteoporosis 13 (18.5%), atrophic vaginitis (vulvo-vaginal atrophy) 12(17%),and urinary incontinence 10(14.2%).(b) 12 women had Menopause due to castration (oophroctomy),surgery and radiation of uterus and ovaries had obesity 5 (41%) depression 3 (25%),osteoporosis 4 (33.3%)(c) 8 women had Early or pre-mature menopause had Diabetic 4 (50%), HIV 2 (25%) and CVS 2 (25%). This menopausal classifications and their post menopausal complications are very much important for Obstetrician and Gynecologist, clinician to treat them with proper medication medico –social workers create awareness among people to prevent secondary infections and take preventive measures caused by post menopause, because menopause is a due to withdrawl of reproductive hormones, hence leads to multiple disorders in normal functions of the body.

Protective Effect of Soy Isoflavones (from Glycine max) on Adipose Tissue Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in an Experimental Model of Post-menopausal Obesity: The Molecular Mechanisms

Obesity, adiposity mediated oxidative stress and inflammatory response has been identified to have an etiological origin for most of the complications associated with ageing populace. However, there are limited studies addressing the metabolic role of adipose tissue in the pathobiology of postmenopausal complications with respect to oxidative stress and inflammation. Numerous studies have reported the beneficial effects of soy isoflavones on postmenopausal complications; however, its efficacy these complications in postmenopausal model of obesity remain unclear. In the present study we found that the both ovariectomy and high fat diet (30 per cent fat) in isolation and in combination developed adipose tissue oxidative stress as evidenced by the reduced level of total antioxidant status (TAS) in association with elevated levels of adipose tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and MDA/TAS ratio. These rats also displayed with inflammation as showed by increased levels of plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and high sensitive C – reactive protein (hsCRP). The expression of adipose tissue inflammatory proteins; cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX2), monocyte chemo attractant protein (MCP1) and protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) were heightened in response to both ovariectomy and high fat diet. All these metabolic changes were further augmented when ovariectomy was followed by high fat diet. This suggests that there was a synergism between the postmenopausal state and intake of fat rich diet in the development of adipose tissue oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Treatment with soy isoflavones significantly inhibited these metabolic changes improved adipose tissue oxidative stress and inflammatory response suggesting the use of this natural phytoestrogen as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for relieving metabolic consequences associated with postmenopausal women.

Enhanced Expression of Sodium Hydrogen Exchanger (NHE)-1, 2 and 4 in the Cervix of Ovariectomised Rats by Phytoestrogen Genistein.

Restoring the pH of cervicovaginal fluid is important for the cervicovaginal health after menopause. Genistein, which is a widely consumed dietary health supplement to overcome the post-menopausal complications could help to restore the cervicovaginal fluid pH. We hypothesized that genistien effect involves changes in expression of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs in the cervix. This study investigated effect of genistein on NHE-1, 2 and 4 protein and mRNA expression in the cervix in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying possible effect of this compound on cervicovaginal fluid pH after menopause. Methods: Ovariectomised adult female rats received 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day genistein for seven consecutive days. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed and cervix was harvested. Expression of Nhe-1, 2 and 4 mRNA were analyzed by Real-time PCR while distribution of NHE-1, 2 and 4 protein were observed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Treatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg/day genistein caused marked increase in the levels of expression and distribution of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins in the endocervical epithelia. Levels of Nhe-1, 2 and 4 mRNA in the cervix were also increased. Coadministration of ICI 182 780 and genistein reduced the expression levels of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs in the cervix. Conclusions: Enhanced expression of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs expression in cervix under genistein influence could help to restore the cervicovaginal fluid pH that might help to prevent cervicovaginal complications related to menopause.

How effective is calcium supplementation for preventing postmenopausal osteoporotic complications?

How effective is calcium supplementation for preventing postmenopausal osteoporotic complications?

Estrogenic Activity of Glyceollins Isolated from Soybean Elicited with Aspergillus sojae

Glyceollins, which are synthesized from daidzein in soybeans cultured with fungi, have been shown to have antifungal effects and cancer preventive properties. Several studies have proposed that isoflavones and their metabolites act as a mixed agonist/antagonist for estrogen. Although glyceollins were reported to suppress some cancer cells via anti-estrogenic activity, it is not clear whether the compounds possess estrogenic potential. In contrast to the anti-estrogenic action reported thus far, we observed estrogenic effects of glyceollins using E-screen assay and pS2 expression, whereas glyceollins showed higher affinity for estrogen receptor (ER) beta than ERalpha. We also found that glyceollins were more efficiently produced de novo in minced than in half-sliced soybean, following infection with Aspergillus sojae. In conclusion, glyceollins may be useful in the prevention or amelioration of postmenopausal complications because they had strong estrogenic activity, and their production could be variable depending upon processing prior to fungal inoculation.

PLCL1 rs7595412 variation is not associated with hip bone size variation in postmenopausal Danish women

BackgroundBone size (BS) variation is under strong genetic control and plays an important role in determining bone strength and fracture risk. Recently, a genome-wide association study identified polymorphisms associated with hip BS variation in the PLCL1 (phospholipase c-like 1) locus. Carriers of the major A allele of the most significant polymorphism, rs7595412, have around 17% larger hip BS than non-carriers. We therefore hypothesized that this polymorphism may also influence postmenopausal complications.MethodsThe effects of rs7595412 on hip BS, bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral fractures, serum Crosslaps and osteocalcin levels were analyzed in 1,191 postmenopausal Danish women.ResultsThis polymorphism had no influence on hip and spine BS as well as on femur and spine BMD. Women carrying at least one copy of the A allele had lower levels of serum osteocalcin as compared with those homozygous for the G allele (p = 0.03) whereas no effect on serum Crosslaps was detected. Furthermore, women homozygous for the A allele were more affected by vertebral fractures than those carrying at least one copy of the G allele (p = 0.04).ConclusionsIn postmenopausal women, our results suggest that the PLCL1 rs7595412 polymorphism has no obvious effect on hip BS or BMD but may be nominally associated with increased proportion of vertebral fracture and increased levels of osteocalcin.

Soy protein isoflavones do not reduce postmenopausal complications

Soy protein isoflavones do not reduce postmenopausal complications