Postmenopausal Korean Women Research Articles

Effects of Adding Intravenous Pamidronate to Ongoing Menopausal Hormone Therapy in Postmenopausal Korean Women with Low Bone Mineral Density.

ObjectivesWe evaluated the effects of adding intravenous pamidronate to ongoing menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal Korean women with low BMD.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 74 postmenopausal women who received MHT for at least 1 year and had a BMD T-score of less than −2.0. Maintaining the same MHT regimen, these women were divided into two groups: oral placebo group (n = 44) and a pamidronate group of patients with gastrointestinal discomfort (n = 30) who received 15–30 mg pamidronate intravenously every 3–12 months. BMD was reviewed at 12-month follow-up. Bone resorption markers in both groups, urinary deoxypyridinoline levels in the placebo group, and serum N-telopeptide of type I collagen in the pamidronate group were assessed at 6 and 12 months.ResultsAt baseline, the body mass index (BMI), duration of previous MHT, and femur neck (FN) BMD differed between the groups. Within-group analysis revealed that BMD of the lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH) significantly increased in the placebo group, whereas those of the LS, FN, and TH increased in the pamidronate group. The increase in BMD of LS was significantly greater in the pamidronate group, after adjusting for BMI and duration of previous MHT (mean change: 3.7% vs. 6.2%; P < 0.001). There were no changes in bone resorption markers in either group.ConclusionsAdding intravenous pamidronate to ongoing MHT for 12 months might increase LS BMD in postmenopausal Korean women with low BMD.

The Effects of Menopausal Hormone Therapy on Serum Level of C-reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Korean Women.

ObjectivesInflammation is a major mechanism underlying coronary heart disease (CHD) and C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation. When administered soon after menopause, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) prevents CHD. This study was conducted to examine the impact of estrogen by administration route on CRP in postmenopausal Korean women using micronized progesterone (MP4) for endometrial protection.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 129 healthy women without CHD risk factors. Eighty-nine women took oral estrogen (conjugated equine estrogen, 0.625 mg/day or equivalent), and 40 women applied a 1.5-mg/day 0.1% percutaneous estradiol gel. MP4 was added in 82 women with an intact uterus. The CRP level was measured at baseline and three and six months after initiation of MHT.ResultsThe baseline characteristics were comparable between the MHT groups except current age and age at menopause. After controlling for age, menopausal age, body mass index, and basal CRP, no significant change in CRP was observed in the oral estrogen group (n = 29). Follow-up CRP levels were also similar to the baseline in the percutaneous estrogen group (n = 18). However, three-month CRP was significantly lower than six-month CRP, and there was a significant time trend within the percutaneous estrogen group. However, the group difference did not reach statistical significance. CRP also did not differ by addition of MP4 in either group.ConclusionsIn postmenopausal Korean women, no change in CRP was observed with oral estrogen, while percutaneous estrogen might decrease CRP. The estrogenic impacts were not influenced by adding MP4.

Determinants of Bone Mass and Insulin Resistance in Korean Postmenopausal Women: Muscle Area, Strength, or Composition?

PurposeMuscle mass, strength, and composition determine muscle quantity and quality. However, data on muscle properties in relation to bone mass or insulin resistance are limited in Asian populations. This study aimed to investigate the relative importance of muscle measurements in regards to their relationship with lower bone mass and insulin resistance.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 192 postmenopausal women (age, 72.39±6.07 years) were enrolled. We measured muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and attenuation at the gluteus maximus and quadriceps muscles through quantitative computed tomography. Muscle strength and physical performance were evaluated with the hand grip test and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression were performed to evaluate the relationship between muscle properties and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) or bone mineral density (BMD).ResultsMuscle CSA, hand grip strength, and SPPB score held positive correlations with spine and hip BMDs, but not with insulin resistance. In contrast, muscle attenuation of the gluteus maximus or quadriceps was inversely related to HOMA-IR (r=−0.194, p=0.018 and r=−0.292, p<0.001, respectively), but not BMD. Compared with the control group, muscle CSA was significantly decreased in patients with osteoporosis; however, decreased muscle attenuation, indicating high fat infiltration, was found only in patients with diabetes.ConclusionMuscle mass, strength, and physical performance were associated with low bone mass, and accumulation of intramuscular fat, a histological hallmark of persistently damaged muscles, may play a major role in the development of insulin resistance in Korean postmenopausal women.

The association between abortion experience and postmenopausal suicidal ideation and mental health: Results from the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V)

ObjectiveThe association between abortion and postmenopausal mental health has not been clearly established in Asian women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of abortion experiences on suicidal ideation and mental health in Korean postmenopausal women. Materials and methodsThis study included 5133 postmenopausal women registered in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2010 and 2012. Difference in suicidal ideation according to type and number of abortions was analyzed. We used survey multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate the effect of abortion experiences on the risk for suicidal ideation expressed as adjusted odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). ResultsThe risk of suicidal ideation was significantly higher in women who experienced more than three abortions (27.9%). While the incidence of suicidal ideation was not significantly affected by the number of spontaneous abortions (p = 0.718), suicidal ideation was significantly more frequent in women who had undergone ≥ three abortions (p = 0.003). After adjusting for demographic confounding factors, women who underwent ≥ three induced abortions had higher risk for suicidal ideation (OR: 1.510; 95% CI: 1.189–1.919; p = 0.031). This risk remained elevated even after controlling for depression (OR: 1.391; 95% CI: 1.1086–1.871, p = 0.002). Moreover, the risk of experiencing a depressive mood in daily life was also increased with increasing number of induced abortions even after controlling for depression (OR: 1.657; 95% CI: 1.274–2.156, p = 0.002). ConclusionUndergoing three or more induced abortions during reproductive age was associated with postmenopausal suicidal ideation, stress, and depression. However, such association was not noted in those with spontaneous abortion, even in women with more miscarriages. Thus, clinicians should evaluate depression and suicidal ideation in women with multiple induced abortions.

The Relationship of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio with Bone Mineral Density in Korean Postmenopausal Women.

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are known to be markers of the systemic inflammatory response. However, the few studies that have been done on the relationship between the NLR and PLR and osteoporosis have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between the NLR and PLR and bone mineral density (BMD). This study was conducted with postmenopausal patients admitted to an orthopaedic hospital. Data including BMD, NLR, PLR and covariates were obtained from the subjects' medical records. In total, 407 postmenopausal patients were enrolled in this study. Analysis of covariance was performed to identify significant differences in BMD according to NLR and PLR. After adjusting for other covariates, a quartile of NLR was negatively associated with the mean value of lumbar BMD (p=0.040, p for trend=0.005) but not with the mean value of femur neck BMD. However, there were no significant associations among the PLR, the BMD of the lumbar and the femur neck. In conclusion, the quartile of NLR was negatively associated with the mean value of lumbar BMD in Korean postmenopausal patients.

The Effect of Education and Vitamin D Supplementation on the Achievement of Optimal Vitamin D Level in Korean Postmenopausal Women.

BackgroundDespite daily vitamin D recommendations, women with osteoporosis may not achieve optimal 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. We retrospectively evaluated the effect of education and vitamin D supplementation (1,000 IU/day) in Korean women with osteoporosis.MethodsSixty-one women with osteoporosis who were taking cholecalciferol (800–1,000 IU/day) were enrolled during 2011 to 2012. Forty patients (education only, Edu group) were educated on the importance of >30 min sunlight exposure daily while taking vitamin D. Twenty-one patients (education with vitamin D supplementation, Add group) were prescribed 1,000 IU/day cholecalciferol (total 1,800–2,000 IU/day) plus education. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to serum 25(OH)D status: deficiency (<20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL). Furthermore, 25(OH)D levels were compared at baseline and after intervention for 3 months.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) serum 25(OH)D concentration at baseline was 25.10 (18.95–33.60) ng/mL. The mean (±standard error) differences in 25(OH)D levels from baseline to post-intervention were 19.85±3.86 and 31.73±4.82 ng/mL in the Edu group and Add group, respectively. Eighteen patients (29.5%) had vitamin D deficiency, 25 (41.0%) had insufficiency, and 18 (29.5%) had sufficient levels. Optimal 25(OH)D (30 ng/mL or more) was achieved in 54.5% and 95.2% patients in the Edu group and Add group, respectively (P=0.003).ConclusionsWe consider that vitamin D concentration should be measured on a regular basis in order to maintain an optimal level of vitamin D concentration, and education and supplementation is needed if not sufficient.

Associations of postmenopausal hormone therapy with metabolic syndrome among diabetic and non-diabetic women

A lack of estrogen due to menopause changes metabolic homeostasis, which increases the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. Hormone therapy (HT) has beneficial effects on chronic diseases as well as on menopause symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of HT use with MetS and its components by diabetes status in middle-aged postmenopausal Korean women. A cross-sectional analysis was undertaken of a total of 39,295 non-diabetic and 3,359 diabetic postmenopausal women aged 40 to 69 years from the Health Examinees-Gem (HEXA-G) study (2004–2013). The mean differences in the MetS components by HT use were assessed using a general linear model and Tukey’s multiple comparisons tests. The prevalence odds ratio (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the logistic regression model. HT use was associated with lower fasting glucose level, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio among both diabetic and non-diabetic women. In non-diabetic women, HT ‘ever’ use was negatively associated with the prevalence of MetS (POR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75-0.85), and current users had a lower prevalence of MetS (POR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.60-0.76). A longer duration of HT use was associated with a decreasing prevalence of MetS. We did not find heterogeneity by age regarding MetS prevalence. Our results suggest that HT use is negatively associated with the prevalence of MetS among postmenopausal women. However, further longitudinal studies are required to investigate the effect of HT on MetS in Korean women.

Relationship between Early Menopause and Periodontal Disease in Korean Postmenopausal Women

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between early menopause and periodontal disease in postmenopausal women using data from the 6th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013∼2015). A study was conducted with 2,048 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 74 years. Participants were divided into the early menopause group (menopause occurring at age 45 years or before) and normal menopause group (menopause occurring after age 45 years). A community periodontal index greater than or equal to code 3 was used to define periodontal treatment needs. A chi-square test was used to confirm the bivariate relationship between the variables. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for covariates (age, education, family income, body mass index, alcohol drinking, smoking, visiting dentist in the last year, use of oral care products, frequency of tooth brushing per day). The risk of periodontal disease was higher in the early menopause group after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio, 1.59). In particular, the relationship between early menopause and periodontal disease was more evident in women with low education and those who did not use oral care products. The findings of this study suggest that early menopause is a significant factor of periodontal disease in Korean women.

Moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms are risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in postmenopausal women

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in postmenopausal women. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1793 Korean postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years who attended a routine health check at a Korean institution from January 2010 to December 2012. Their scores on the Menopause Rating Scale were used to assess VMS. Moderate to severe VMS included ratings of moderate, severe, and very severe. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound among those who indicated that their ethanol intake was less than 70 g/week. ResultsThe mean age of these participants was 54.51 ± 4.74 years and the mean duration of menopause was 5.36 ± 4.41 years. A total of 602 (33.6%) women reported mild VMS while 435 (24.3%) reported moderate to severe VMS. The prevalence of NAFLD differed significantly according to the severity of VMS (none, 31.7%; mild, 34.9%; moderate to severe, 39.1%; p = 0.037). Levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase were significantly higher in women with moderate to severe VMS than in those without VMS. Logistic regression analysis revealed that moderate to severe VMS were significantly associated with the risk of NAFLD (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.10–2.03) after adjusting for age, years since menopause, central obesity, alcohol use, smoking, exercise, and insulin resistance. ConclusionsModerate to severe VMS are associated with NAFLD and worse liver function profiles in otherwise healthy postmenopausal women. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate casual relationships and underlying mechanisms.

Higher parity and risk of metabolic syndrome in Korean postmenopausal women: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012.

We sought to examine whether parity is associated with higher incidence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 4098 Korean postmenopausal women by using nationally representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between parity and metabolic syndrome, with adjustment for potential confounding variables. The rate of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher with increasing number of parity, with dose-response relationship in univariate analysis (P <0.001). In addition, higher parity (≥3 live births) was associated with more prevalence of all components of metabolic syndrome compared with two live births (parity 2 vs 3 vs ≥4: 5.5 vs 12.1 and 14.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). However, after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and reproductive factors, we found that only higher parity was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome compared with two live births, and failed to show a dose-dependent relationship (parity 2 vs 3 vs ≥4: odds ratio 1 vs 1.404 vs 1.379, respectively; P = 0.043). We also proved that among the components of metabolic syndrome, only waist circumference had a significant positive relationship with parity in a multivariable adjusted model (parity 2 vs 3 vs ≥4: odds ratio 1 vs 1.559 vs 1.656, respectively; P < 0.001). Higher parity was independently associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Mammographic Density and Circulating Sex Hormones: a Cross-Sectional Study in Postmenopausal Korean Women.

Mammographic density (MD) is a strong independent risk factor for breast cancer. It has been suggested that breast cancer is related to the exposure to circulating sex hormones. However, relations between MD and hormones have been inconsistent. In addition, such relations are mainly evaluated in Western populations. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 396 cancer-free postmenopausal Korean women who had never used hormone replacement therapy. We assayed estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. We then calculated free testosterone (cFT) levels. Total and dense areas of digital mammogram were measured using a computer-assisted thresholding method, and non-dense area and percent dense area were calculated. Linear mixed model was used for analyses. Estradiol and testosterone levels were not associated with any MD measures after adjusting for reproductive factors and body mass index. However, cFT was persistently associated with non-dense area even after adjusting for covariates, with non-dense area increased by 3.5% per 1 standard deviation increase of cFT. SHBG showed an inverse association with non-dense area, although it showed a positive association with dense area and percent dense area regardless of adjustment for covariates. Non-dense area was decreased by 5.6% while percent dense area was increased by 13.4% per 1 standard deviation increase of SHBG. These findings suggest that SHBG might be related with breast cancer risk, probably through its association with breast density.

The level of vitamin D using the LC-MS/MS method and related factors in healthy Korean postmenopausal women.

The main purposes of the study were (i) to evaluate serum vitamin D concentration in the forms of 25(OH)D2 , 25(OH)D3 and total 25(OH)D in Korean postmenopausal women using the LC-MS/MS method, which offers increased sensitivity and selectivity; (ii) to determine the relationship between the bone turnover marker, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25(OH)D3 , total 25(OH)D separately; and (iii) to determine the factors that may be associated with vitamin D deficiency using body composition analysis and laboratory blood tests. A total of 200 postmenopausal women were recruited from November 2012 to March 2014. To control for seasonal ultraviolet exposure time differences in serum 25(OH)D, laboratory tests were performed only from November to March when vitamin D is not synthesized. Independent relationships between 25(OH)D3 , total 25(OH)D and other variables were assessed by multiple regression analysis. The mean serum 25(OH)D2 , 25(OH)D3 and total 25(OH)D levels were 0.51 (±0.44) ng/mL, 14.23 (±7.05) ng/mL and 14.69 (±7.13) ng/mL, respectively. Both 25(OH)D3 and total 25(OH)D were positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Apo A-I and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen in Korean postmenopausal women. Both serum 25(OH)D3 and total 25(OH)D were negatively correlated with alkaline phosphatase , PTH and percent body fat. However, osteocalcin showed a negative correlation (r = -0.451; P = 0.041) with only 25(OH)D3 and not with total 25(OH)D (r = -0.417; P = 0.064). Both 25(OH)D3 and total 25(OH)D were negatively correlated with PTH, a bone formation marker (alkaline phosphatase) and percent body fat. Both 25(OH)D3 and total 25(OH)D were positively correlated with a bone resorption marker (C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen), ESR and Apo A-I after multiple regression analysis.

Gender difference in the relationship between the ferritin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in non-diabetic Korean adults.

BackgroundThe present study was conducted to assess gender difference in the relationship between the ferritin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA-B) in non-diabetic Korean adults.Materials and methodsA sample including 5,414 adults (2,279 men, 1,529 postmenopausal women, and 1,606 premenopausal women) aged ≥ 20 years from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1, 2010) was analyzed.ResultsThere were several key findings in the present study. First, in men, HOMA-IR (β = 0.119, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.304 to 8.003) constituted the independent factor determining ferritin, but this was not the case for HOMA-B (β = -0.042, 95% CI, -0.100 to 0.011). Second, in postmenopausal women, HOMA-IR (β = 0.087, 95% CI, 0.899 to 5.238) was the independent factor determining ferritin, but this was not the case for HOMA-B (β = -0.043, 95% CI, -0.065 to 0.010). Third, in premenopausal women, neither HOMA-IR (β = -0.050, 95% CI, -3.056 to 0.364) nor HOMA-B (β = -0.009, 95% CI, -0.028 to 0.020) constituted the independent factors determining ferritin.ConclusionsFerritin was positively associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic Korean men and postmenopausal women, but not in non-diabetic Korean premenopausal women.

Association Between the Modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women Without Diabetes

The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal Korean women without diabetes. Our study enrolled postmenopaual women without diabetes (n = 6826). We used the DASH-Korean quartile (KQ) model using six nutrients. For protein, fiber, calcium, and potassium, we scored 1 for the first quartile (1Q), 2 for the second quartile (2Q), 3 for the third quartile (3Q), and 4 for the fourth quartile (4Q). For fat and sodium, we scored 4 for the 1Q, 3 for the 2Q, 2 for the 3Q, and 1 for the 4Q. We defined the sum of the six scores as the DASH-KQ score. Participants were divided into four quartiles (DASH-1Q, DASH-2Q, DASH-3Q, and DASH-4Q), according to the sum of the six DASH-KQ scores. The number of participants with metabolic syndrome in DASH-1Q, DASH-2Q, DASH-3Q, or DASH-4Q was 601 (37.4%), 671 (31.1%), 440 (30.5%), and 492 (30.3%), respectively. The proportion of participants with metabolic syndrome was greatest in DASH-1Q (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that every increase in the DASH-KQ score by 1 exhibited a 0.977-fold odds for metabolic syndrome. DASH-1Q, by DASH-KQ score, had higher odds for metabolic syndrome than the other groups. The lowest quartile of the DASH-KQ score was associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal Korean women without diabetes.

Association between Serum FGF21 levels and bone mineral density in healthy postmenopausal Korean women

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Hormone-related Factors Associated with Dry Eye Syndrome in Postmenopausal Korean Women: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES), 2010-2012

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association between hormone related factors and dry eye syndrome (DES) in postmenopausal Korean women. Method: This population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing a complex sample design procedure for 4586 postmenopausal women who completed the 5th National Health and Nutrition Survey (2010-2012). The prevalence of dry eye was calculated for postmenopausal women. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between DES and hormone related factors (exogenous and endogenous), and we also adjusted for possible covariates(possible covariates were adjusted). Result: The weighted DES prevalence (95% CI) in postmenopausal women was 14.2% (13.0-15.8). Even after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, lifestyle factors, and medical factors, the risk of DES was increased when taking oral contraceptives for more than 23 months (odds ratio = 1.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-2.09) and for women over 36 months of hormone replacement therapy (odds ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval = 1.17-2.47). Conclusion: Long-term oral contraceptive use and hormone replacement therapy in Korean postmenopausal women were significantly associated with increased DES.

High dairy products intake reduces osteoporosis risk in Korean postmenopausal women: A 4 year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to identify the effect of dairy products, milk and yogurt on osteoporosis incidence among Korean postmenopausal women using prospective cohort data.MATERIALS/METHODSBetween 2001 and 2003, 10,038 participants were recruited in rural and urban areas for a baseline examination of a community-based cohort study. Of those, 1,573 postmenopausal women (aged 40–69 years at baseline) were eligible for the present study. Intakes of dairy products, milk, and yogurt were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The speed of sound at the radius and tibia were measured using a quantitative ultrasound device and osteoporosis was defined based on the WHO criteria (T-score ≤ −2.5).RESULTSDuring the 4-years follow-up study, the cumulative incidence of osteoporosis was 18.4% (273 cases) in the radius and 33.6% (407 cases) in the tibia. The subjects with higher frequency of dairy product consumption showed a decreased risk of radius osteoporosis after adjusting for potential confounders [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33–0.80 for >1 time/day vs. non consumer; P for trend = 0.0027]. Similarly, high frequency of milk and yogurt consumption had a protective effect on radius osteoporosis risk [milk: HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42–0.87 for > 5–6 times/week vs. non consumer (P for trend = 0.0130), yogurt: HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30–0.85 for > 5–6 times/week vs. non consumer (P for trend = 0.0167)]. However, high dairy products consumption was not related with tibia osteoporosis.CONCLUSIONSThis study suggests that daily intake of dairy products could potentially reduce radius osteoporosis incidence among Korean postmenopausal women.

Relationship between osteosarcopenic obesity and dietary inflammatory index in postmenopausal Korean women: 2009 to 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Osteosarcopenic obesity syndrome is a condition including osteopenia, sarcopenia and obesity. A pro-inflammatory dietary pattern has been reported to be associated with obesity and osteoporosis. However, studies on the association of dietary inflammatory index with osteosarcopenic obesity syndrome in the Korean population are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between dietary inflammatory index and osteosarcopenic obesity syndrome among Korean postmenopausal women. We analyzed the 2009–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, consisting of 1,344 postmenopausal women aged 50 years or older. Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary inflammatory index was estimated after analyzing 36 nutrients and 9 foods using a 24-h dietary recall data. The association between dietary inflammatory index levels and the body composition was analyzed by logistic regression models with dietary inflammatory index fit as a dichotomous variable. The dietary inflammatory index was −0.96 ± 0.22 in the normal group, 0.12 ± 0.16 in the osteopenic obesity group, 0.00 ± 0.18 in the osteosarcopenia group, 0.12 ± 0.33 in the sarcopenic obesity group, and −0.02 ± 0.14 in the osteosarcopenic obesity group (p<0.001). After adjusting for potential covariates, women with higher dietary inflammatory index scores were more likely to have risk of osteopenic obesity (OR = 2.757, 95% CI: 1.398–5.438, p<0.01) and that of osteosarcopenic obesity (OR = 2.186, 95% CI: 1.182–4.044, p<0.05). The results indicate that pro-inflammatory diet was associate with increased odds of the osteosarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal Korean women. Therefore, studies are needed to identify the effects of anti-inflammatory diets, which can reduce the degree of inflammation through dietary intake.

Assessment of Quality of Life and Safety in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Letrozole as an Early Adjuvant Treatment.

PurposeThere are few reports from Asian countries about the long-term results of aromatase inhibitor adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. This observational study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of letrozole in postmenopausal Korean women with operable breast cancer.MethodsSelf-reported quality of life (QoL) scores were serially assessed for 3 years during adjuvant letrozole treatment using the Korean version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast questionnaires (version 3). Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and serum cholesterol levels were also examined.ResultsAll 897 patients received the documented informed consent form and completed a baseline questionnaire before treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 684 (76.3%) subjects, and 410 (45.7%) and 396 (44.1%) patients had stage I and II breast cancer, respectively. Each patient completed questionnaires at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after enrollment. Of 897 patients, 749 (83.5%) completed the study. The dropout rate was 16.5%. The serial trial outcome index, the sum of the physical and functional well-being subscales, increased gradually and significantly from baseline during letrozole treatment (p<0.001). The mean serum cholesterol level increased significantly from 199 to 205 after 36 months (p=0.042). The mean BMD significantly decreased from −0.39 at baseline to −0.87 after 36 months (p<0.001).ConclusionQoL gradually improved during letrozole treatment. BMD and serum cholesterol level changes were similar to those in Western countries, indicating that adjuvant letrozole treatment is well tolerated in Korean women, with minimal ethnic variation.

Association between Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women.

BackgroundDespite the beneficial effect of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) on metabolic disease, there are concerns about adverse effects on bone metabolism, supported by animal studies. However, a recent human study showed the positive association between serum FGF21 level and bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy premenopausal women. We undertook this study to examine the association between FGF21 level and BMD in healthy postmenopausal Korean women who are susceptible to osteoporosis.MethodsWe used data of 115 participants from a cohort of healthy postmenopausal women (>50 years old) to examine the association between serum FGF21 level and BMD. The clinical characteristics were obtained from the participants, and blood testing and serum FGF21 testing were undertaken. BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip area, and bone markers were used in the analyses.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 60.2±7.2 years. Serum FGF21 levels showed negative correlation with BMD and T-scores in all three areas, but there were no statistically significant differences. Multivariate analyses with adjustment for age and body mass index also did not show significant association between serum FGF21 level and BMD. In addition, serum FGF21 level also showed no correlation with osteocalcin and C-telopeptide levels.ConclusionIn our study, serum FGF21 level showed no significant correlation with BMD and T-scores.