Risk Factors In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

THE IMPACT OF DAIRY CONSUMPTION ON WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS AND OBESITY RISK THROUGHOUT MENOPAUSE: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: The perimenopausal transition poses significant physiological changes and an elevated risk of obesity among women, with studies demonstrating weight gain and metabolic disruptions during this phase. Dairy products, recommended in the typical diet, remain contentious in their impact on weight despite their nutrient-rich composition. Our systematic review aims to address this uncertainty by synthesizing existing evidence on the association between dairy consumption, weight change, and obesity risk during the menopausal transition, shedding light on the nuanced effects of different dairy products and informing tailored dietary interventions for optimal health during this critical life stage. Method: The researchers in this study followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure that their work met the required standards. This was done to ensure the precision and reliability of the conclusions derived from the research. Result: This systematic review investigated final 20 articles. After looking at the titles and summaries, we found 10 papers that fit our criteria. At first, we excluded several articles because they were written in review style and case reports. But after reading the full papers carefully, we included five papers in our final analysis. These papers included analytical cohort, randomized, crossover study, and prospective study. Conclusion: In conclusion, incorporating yogurt into the diet may benefit perimenopausal women by reducing weight gain and obesity risk, but further investigation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, controlled-feeding studies showed limited effects of short-term consumption of 2 fat milk on cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity, raising questions about disparities with epidemiological findings associating dairy consumption with reduced risk of metabolic disorders. Longitudinal cohort studies found no evidence supporting the beneficial effects of dairy intake on bone health in middle-aged women, while higher total dairy intake, mainly from high-fat sources, was associated with less weight gain over time in women with normal BMI at baseline. Further well-powered trials are needed to comprehensively understand dairy's role in preventing weight gain and obesity across different life stages.

Effects of Prune (Dried Plum) Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women: An Ancillary Analysis of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial, The Prune Study

BackgroundEstrogen withdrawal during menopause is associated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile. Prunes (dried plums) represent an emerging functional food and have been previously demonstrated to improve bone health. However, our understanding of the effects of daily prune intake on cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women is limited. ObjectivesWe conducted an ancillary investigation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), The Prune Study, to evaluate the effect of 12-mo prune supplementation on cardiometabolic health markers in postmenopausal women. MethodsThe Prune Study was a single-center, parallel-design, 12-mo RCT in which postmenopausal women were allocated to no-prune control, 50 g/d prune, or 100 g/d prune groups. Blood was collected at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo/post to measure markers of glycemic control and blood lipids. Body composition was assessed at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo/post using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the effect of time, treatment, and their interaction on cardiometabolic health markers, all quantified as exploratory outcomes. ResultsA total of 183 postmenopausal women (mean age, 62.1 ± 4.9 y) completed the entire 12-mo RCT: control (n = 70), 50 g/d prune (n = 67), and 100 g/d prune (n = 46). Prune supplementation at 50 g/d or 100 g/d did not alter markers of glycemic control and blood lipids after 12 mo compared with the control group (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, gynoid percent fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) indices did not significantly differ in women consuming 50 g/d or 100 g/d prunes compared with the control group after 12 mo of intervention. However, android total mass increased by 3.19% ± 5.5% from baseline in the control group, whereas the 100 g/d prune group experienced 0.02% ± 5.6% decrease in android total mass from baseline (P < 0.01). ConclusionsPrune supplementation at 50 g/d or 100 g/d for 12 mo does not improve glycemic control and may prevent adverse changes in central adiposity in postmenopausal women.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02822378.

The Impact of Practicing Exercise and Risk Factors Categorize in Osteoporotic Concerning Postmenopausal Women (Analytical study using binary logistic regression)

Background: Osteoporosis is an illness that may be categorized as a "silent pandemic" because of its worldwide incidence. The essential characteristics of osteoporosis are bone mass reduction and degeneration in bone tissue's micro-architecture. Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) seems to be the most prevalent skeletal disorder. Objective: To study investigates the influence of practicing exercise and physical activity as the most critical contributing factors of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. Data were collected directly through interviews using a special questionnaire. One hundred and fifty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis participated in this study. A rheumatologist clinically diagnosed all participants using a bone density screening (DEXA). Results: the current study's results indicate the prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women, with a higher percentage of 69.3% in the age group (≥50 years). 60.7% of all participants were overweight and obese according to body mass index (BMI). Calcium deficiency was found in 87.3% of the subjects, more than two third (76%) of them were not practicing exercises, and 86.7% suffered from vitamin D deficiency. Reclassifying the actual and wrong percentile demonstrates the accurate percentile (overall percentage = 78.7), 32 individuals were wrongly classified, and the probability of total error was reported at around 21.3%. The most important finding was that postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who exercised and participated in physical activity regularly were 13.7 times in better health than those who did not exercise. Conclusion: Exercising and physical activity lower risk factors for postmenopausal women. It is becoming more necessary to reconsider the importance of performing exercises in maintaining and enhancing postmenopausal women's health. Keywords: Risk Factors, Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal, Practicing Exercises.

The Impact of Practicing Exercise and Risk Factors Categorize in Osteoporotic Concerning Postmenopausal Women (Analytical study using binary logistic regression)

Background: Osteoporosis is an illness that may be categorized as a "silent pandemic" because of its worldwide incidence. The essential characteristics of osteoporosis are bone mass reduction and degeneration in bone tissue's micro-architecture. Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) seems to be the most prevalent skeletal disorder.&#x0D; Objective: To study investigates the influence of practicing exercise and physical activity as the most critical contributing factors of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. Data were collected directly through interviews using a special questionnaire. One hundred and fifty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis participated in this study. A rheumatologist clinically diagnosed all participants using a bone density screening (DEXA).&#x0D; Results: the current study's results indicate the prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women, with a higher percentage of 69.3% in the age group (≥50 years). 60.7% of all participants were overweight and obese according to body mass index (BMI). Calcium deficiency was found in 87.3% of the subjects, more than two third (76%) of them were not practicing exercises, and 86.7% suffered from vitamin D deficiency. Reclassifying the actual and wrong percentile demonstrates the accurate percentile (overall percentage = 78.7), 32 individuals were wrongly classified, and the probability of total error was reported at around 21.3%. The most important finding was that postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who exercised and participated in physical activity regularly were 13.7 times in better health than those who did not exercise.&#x0D; Conclusion: Exercising and physical activity lower risk factors for postmenopausal women. It is becoming more necessary to reconsider the importance of performing exercises in maintaining and enhancing postmenopausal women's health.

The Impact of Testosterone Therapy on Cardiovascular Risk Among Postmenopausal Women.

To summarize the current state of knowledge surrounding the impact of testosterone therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. In this scoping review, a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted in adherence to a methodological framework comprising 4 distinct stages: conceptualizing a comprehensive search strategy, screening relevant publications, extracting pertinent data, and organizing and synthesizing the resultant findings. The search used electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar, to ensure an exhaustive survey of the available literature. The database search yielded 150 articles, including systematic reviews, registered trials, and peer-reviewed studies, of which 48 duplicates were removed. Following the title/abstract screening, 36 publications were included in the full-text review. On completion of the full-text review, using the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 29 articles were excluded and 7 remained for data extraction and qualitative synthesis. Existing research provides promising insights into the benefits of low-dose testosterone therapy, typically combined with estrogen therapy. These benefits may include positive impacts on body composition, functional capacity, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory markers, and cholesterol. However, there remains a substantial lack of knowledge surrounding the effects and mechanisms behind testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women in relation to its impacts on cardiovascular risk. High-quality, evidence-based clinical intervention research is needed to investigate testosterone therapy's potential implication on cardiovascular risk factors in post-menopausal women.

The Association of Thyroid Volume with Framingham Risk Score and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

The Association of Thyroid Volume with Framingham Risk Score and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women

Can the evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women prolong life?

Can the evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women prolong life?

Effects of exercise training on metabolic syndrome risk factors in post-menopausal women – A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Alterations in the hormonal profiles as women transition to the menopause predisposes individuals to the metabolic syndrome (MetS). In post-menopausal women, this can be exacerbated by sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity. Physical activity can convey many health benefits including improvement in MetS risk factors. However, it remains to be elucidated how differing exercise intensities and its mode of delivery can ameliorate MetS risk factors and resultant progression amongst post-menopausal women. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects and efficacy of exercise training on MetS risk factors in post-menopausal women. Database searches using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted from inception to December 2021 for randomised controlled studies (RCTs) investigating exercise training (>8 weeks) in at least one of the MetS risk factors in post-menopausal women. Utilising the random-effects model, appropriate standardised mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for each MetS risk factor were used to calculate the overall effect size between the exercise and control groups. Sub-group analyses were performed for exercise intensity, modality, and duration for each risk factor. Meta-regression was performed for categorical (health status) and continuous (body mass index) covariates. 39 RCTs (40 studies) involving 2132 participants were identified as eligible. Overall, the meta-analysis shows that exercise training significantly improved all MetS risk factors: waist circumference (WC) [MD:-2.61cm; 95% CI:-3.39 to-1.86cm; p<0.001; 21 studies]; triglycerides (TG) [SMD:-0.40mmol/L; 95% CI:-0.71 to-0.09mmol/L; p=0.01; 25 studies]; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) [SMD: 0.84mmol/L(95% CI: 0.41-1.27mmol/L; p<0.001; 26 studies]; fasting glucose (BG) [SMD:-0.38mmol/L (95% CI:-0.60 to-0.16mmol/L; p<0.001; 20 studies]; systolic blood pressure (SBP) [MD:-5.95mmHg (95% CI:-7.98 to-3.92mmHg; p<0.001; 23 studies]; and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [MD:-4.14mmHg (95% CI:-6.19 to-2.08mmHg; p<0.001; 23 studies]. Furthermore, sub-group analyses identified that moderate intensity and combined exercise training significantly improved MetS risk factors (p<0.05) except for HDL, with combined exercise being the most effective. Long duration (≥12 weeks) training also significantly improved MetS risk factors except for TG. Meta-regression revealed no moderating effects on any MetS risk variables. This study reinforces the importance of regular physical activity as a non-pharmacological tool in the reduction of MetS risk in post-menopausal women, with significant metabolic improvements seen in interventions spanning 8-10 weeks. Moderate intensity and combined training significantly benefitted abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, dysglycaemia and hypertension in post-menopausal women. Improvements in at least one MetS risk were also seen with other exercise modalities and intensities.

Mini-Trampoline Jumping as an Exercise Intervention for Postmenopausal Women

Background: Mini-trampoline jumping is a highly beneficial low-impact aerobic exercise capable of potentially improving female-specific health risk factors. Objectives: The aim of this research was to examine the benefits of a 3-month mini-trampoline exercise intervention on bone health and pelvic floor muscles functioning in postmenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy postmenopausal women were recruited and participated in the 12-week mini-trampoline exercise intervention. Baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up assessments included bone health, pelvic floor muscles functioning, and urinary incontinence. Results: Bone mineral density increased significantly at postintervention compared with the control group. The exercise group demonstrated decreased stress urinary incontinence scores at postintervention, with the difference being statistically significant at follow-up. No significant differences were found for the cough assessment or urge urinary incontinence scores. Conclusion: A mini-trampoline exercise intervention has the potential to improve female-specific health risk factors in postmenopausal women.

Analysis of correlations between gut microbiota, stool short chain fatty acids, calprotectin and cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women with obesity: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMicrobiota and its metabolites are known to regulate host metabolism. In cross-sectional study conducted in postmenopausal women we aimed to assess whether the microbiota, its metabolites and gut barrier integrity marker are correlated with cardiometabolic risk factors and if microbiota is different between obese and non-obese subjects.MethodsWe analysed the faecal microbiota of 56 obese, postmenopausal women by means of 16S rRNA analysis. Stool short chain fatty acids, calprotectin and anthropometric, physiological and biochemical parameters were correlates to microbiome analyses.ResultsAlpha-diversity was inversely correlated with lipopolysaccharide (Rho = − 0.43, FDR P (Q) = 0.004). Bray–Curtis distance based RDA revealed that visceral fat and waist circumference had a significant impact on metabolic potential (P = 0.003). Plasma glucose was positively correlated with the Coriobacteriaceae (Rho = 0.48, Q = 0.004) and its higher taxonomic ranks, up to phylum (Actinobacteria, Rho = 0.46, Q = 0.004). At the metabolic level, the strongest correlation was observed for the visceral fat (Q < 0.15), especially with the DENOVOPURINE2-PWY, PWY-841 and PWY0-162 pathways. Bacterial abundance was correlated with SCFAs, thus some microbiota-glucose relationships may be mediated by propionate, as indicated by the significant average causal mediation effect (ACME): Lachnospiraceae (ACME 1.25, 95%CI (0.10, 2.97), Firmicutes (ACME 1.28, 95%CI (0.23, 3.83)) and Tenericutes (ACME − 0.39, 95%CI (− 0.87, − 0.03)). There were significant differences in the distribution of phyla between this study and Qiita database (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsMicrobiota composition and metabolic potential are associated with some CMRF and fecal SCFAs concentration in obese postmenopausal women. There is no unequivocal relationship between fecal SCFAs and the marker of intestinal barrier integrity and CMRF. Further studies with appropriately matched control groups are warranted to look for causality between SCFAs and CMRF.

Mediatory role for irisin/BDNF signaling in the protective effects of combined MSROM and aerobic training against metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women

Mediatory role for irisin/BDNF signaling in the protective effects of combined MSROM and aerobic training against metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women

Fracture Risk Factor in Post-Menopausal Women with Deterioration of Bone Density

Background:Most of the aged women experience the deterioration of bone due to the gradual decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). According to different studies, a continuous progressive decline in bone density results in risks of fractures.Aims:The study aimed to identify the fracture risk factors among post-menopausal women with the deterioration of bone density.Settings and Design:Cross-sectional study design was used, and was conducted clinic at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.Methods:In total, 116 post-menopausal women were selected as a sample from a public hospital in Malaysia. An assessment checklist on fracture risks; including age, menopause year, BMD, serum calcium level, balance and gait score, body mass index (BMI) was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used to analyze data.Results:Findings showed that 87.1% participants confidently performed daily activities. Normal TUG score was revealed for 76.7%, and Fall Free Prevention Questionnaire (FFPQ) findings show that no risk of falling prevailed. Pearson correlation showed negative weak correlation between BMD with the age of respondents, year of menopause and TUG (r = –.373), (r = –. 284) and (r = –.237). Moderate correlation was found between BMD in BMI status (r = .343) and weak correlation was found between BMD and ABC scale (r = .200).Conclusions:The study emphasized on instigation of the intervention to improve population literacy related to menopause and bone density deficiency.

A cross-sectional comparative study of some cardiovascular risk factors in premenopausal and postmenopausal apparently healthy women of Ranchi

Background: Loss of estrogenic support may put postmenopausal women at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to examine premenopausal and postmenopausal woman to provide pertinent data on some of the cardiovascular risk factors and to know approximately the period which is under protection of estrogen and the period from which a woman is affected by changes in cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in RIMS Ranchi from February 2018 to August 2019. A total of 262 apparently healthy women in the age group of 35–60 years were assessed for cardiovascular risk factors. Parameters assessed in premenopausal and postmenopausal women were heart rate, blood pressure (Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, blood sugar level, and lipid profile of the subjects. Results: Out of 262 participants, 132 were in the premenopausal group with mean age of 39.76 years and 130 were in the postmenopausal group with mean age of 50.8. Except BMI, all other cardiovascular risk parameters showed significant difference between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Conclusion: We concluded that adverse changes in lipid profile and blood sugar along with significant increase in other cardiac risk factors in postmenopausal women as compared to premenopausal group of the study predisposed this group of women at increased risk of having cardiovascular disease in near future. Hence, preventive measures against cardiovascular disease risk should be started in premenopausal period only.

Homocysteine associated with metabolic syndrome risk factors in postmenopausal women

Homocysteine associated with metabolic syndrome risk factors in postmenopausal women

Prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUNDPre-hypertension (HTN) and HTN are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite its importance, HTN is often underestimated and undiagnosed, especially in women. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of pre-HTN and HTN among a large sample of Iranian menopausal women.METHODSThis repeated cross-sectional study was conducted on 1013 menopausal women aged 41 to 85 years in Isfahan, Iran, in the years 2001, 2007, and 2016. The participants were selected through multistage cluster random sampling. Awareness, treatment, and control of HTN were assessed using a validated researcher-made questionnaire. Blood pressure was determined via an arm digital blood pressure monitor.RESULTSThe prevalence of HTN in the years 2001, 2007, and 2016 was 52.6%, 49.0%, and 51.6%, respectively; no significant changes were observed (P > 0.05). The prevalence of pre-HTN in these years was 56.6%, 53.3%, and 42.2%, respectively. In 2001 and 2007, respectively, 28.8% and 50.4% of menopausal women had HTN controlled by medication, and in 2016, 86.6% of women were aware of their disease and 62% of them had controlled HTN (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThe results showed that HTN and pre-HTN were highly prevalent among Iranian menopausal women and markedly increased with age. Interventional population-based approaches are needed to improve knowledge and efficient practice that may help to lower the risk of HTN and CVD in this at-risk population.

Association Of Vitamin D Deficiency With Risk Factors In Postmenopausal Women

In conditions of age-related decrease in sex hormones and a number of pathological conditions and diseases in postmenopausal women, there is a deficiency of D hormone. In our country, the geographic location of which is below northern latitude and sufficient ultraviolet radiation, an insufficient content of vitamin D is seen in postmenopausal women. There are a lot of risk factors leading to vitamin D deficiency - the presence of smog and dust in cities, insufficient consumption of vitamin-fortified foods, the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract and excretory system and a number of others. One of the important factors that reduce vitamin storage is overweight and obesity, especially in combination with old age, when all absorption processes are reduced. The aim of our research was to study risk factors in women with vitamin D deficiency with subsequent correction of the deficiency state. We examined the level of total 25 (OH) D in the blood serum in 46 postmenopausal women, and identified risk factors. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 86.96% of women, and its deficiency was registered in 10.87%. At the same time, a pronounced vitamin deficiency was not registered in any patient. Overweight was registered in 32.6%, obesity of varying degrees in 26.1%. Given the indicators, recommendations were given for correcting vitamin D deficiency. All postmenopausal women, especially those with risk factors for deficiency, are recommended to determine the basic level of vitamin D. In case of deficiency, drug correction is recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and oncological diseases.

Effects of the intake of dairy products naturally enriched with selenium and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in a sample of postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Introduction: metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women can improve with a healthy diet. Objectives: to evaluate whether a dietary intervention with dairy products naturally enriched with selenium and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids increases selenium plasma levels and improves cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. Material and methods: a randomized, triple-blind, controlled clinical trial carried out in GP surgeries. Recruitment: April 2018, 46 postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome who were frequent dairy consumers. Randomization: 23 in control group and 23 in experimental group. Intervention: consumption of dairy products naturally enriched with selenium and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (milk, yogurt, fresh cheese) for three months. Controls took conventional dairy. Primary endpoint: plasma selenium levels; secondary endpoints: metabolic syndrome criteria. Registration number 2018/256, Galicia Ethics Committee. Results: in all, 23 women in the control group and 21 in the intervention group completed the trial. Selenium increased in the intervention group (7.2 µg/L, 95 % CI, 3.7/10.8) compared to the control group (-4.5 µg/L, 95 % CI, -8/-1) (p < 0.001) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased (-2.3 mg/dL, 95 % CI, -5.6/1) compared to the control group (1.9 mg/dL, 95 % CI, -0.7/4.5) (p = 0.043). Waist circumference (p = 0.010), body mass index (p = 0.047) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001) in the experimental group improved in comparison to baseline measurements. Conclusions: an intervention with dairy products naturally enriched with selenium and omega-3 in a sample of postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome can improve plasma selenium levels and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

An Evaluation of Osteoporosis as a Potential Risk Factor in Postmenopausal Women: A Clinicoradiographical Study

An Evaluation of Osteoporosis as a Potential Risk Factor in Postmenopausal Women: A Clinicoradiographical Study

Association between Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

The goal of this study was to investigate the association between the polymorphic loci of genes IL1B (rs16944), IL1RN (rs4251961), IL6 (rs1800795, rs1800796, rs1554606), IL8 (rs4073), IL10 (rs1800896), and TNFA (rs1800629) and breast cancer in women. The DNA samples of 521 women with breast cancer and 267 women without oncological pathology were studied. The study showed that age, concomitant chronic morbidity, and polymorphism of the IL6 gene are risk factors in postmenopausal women. Allele –572C (OR = 5.68; 95% CI = [2.70–11.97], pcor < 0.001), and haplotype rs1800796[C]–rs1800795[G]–rs1554606[G] (OR = 5.31, 95% CI = [1.87 – 15.10], pcor = 0.002) of the IL6 gene were associated with breast cancer. No association of loci in IL1B (rs16944), IL1RN (rs4251961), IL8 (rs4073), IL10 (rs1800896), or TNFA (rs1800629) was associated with the risk of breast cancer. The obtained data indicate that the –572C allele of the IL6 gene is associated with susceptibility in postmenopausal women to breast cancer. Our results can be useful for an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer.