Selección de Resúmenes de Menopausia

Febrero 2010

Juan Enrique Blümel. Departamento Medicina Sur. Universidad de Chile

 

Semanas del 24 de Febrero al 2 de Marzo de 2010

 

Hum Reprod Update. 2010 Mar-Apr;16(2):131-41. Epub 2009 Sep 30.

Should the ovaries be removed or retained at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease?

Hickey M, Ambekar M, Hammond I.

School of Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral oophorectomy is commonly performed at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease. Indications for oophorectomy vary, but in most cases relatively little high-quality information is available to inform the surgeon or patient regarding the relative risks and benefits of ovarian conservation or removal. This review will address the common clinical situations when oophorectomy may be performed and will evaluate the evidence for risk and benefit in each of these circumstances. The aim of this review is to bring together the evidence regarding oophorectomy in pre- and post-menopausal women and to highlight the areas needing further study. METHODS: We searched the published literature for studies related to outcomes following surgical menopause, risk-reducing surgery for ovarian cancer, surgical treatment for endometriosis, bilateral oophorectomy for benign disease and treatment for premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder. RESULTS: Rates of oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease appear to be increasing. There is good evidence to support bilateral salpingoophorectomy (BSO) as a risk-reducing surgery for women at high risk of ovarian cancer, but relatively little evidence to support oophorectomy or BSO in other circumstances. There is growing evidence from observational studies that surgical menopause may impact negatively on future cardiovascular, psychosexual, cognitive and mental health. CONCLUSION: Clinicians and patients should fully consider the relative risks and benefits of oophorectomy on an individual basis prior to surgery.

 

Climacteric. 2010 Apr;13(2):157-70.

The effects of hormone replacement therapy on myocardial performance in early postmenopausal women.

Duzenli MA, Ozdemir K, Sokmen A, Gezginc K, Soylu A, Celik C, Altunkeser BB, Tokac M.

Objectives The results of the studies in which the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cardiac function have been evaluated are rather disputable. In these studies, cardiac function was evaluated with conventional echocardiographic methods. This study was planned in order to investigate the effects of HRT on myocardial velocities and myocardial performance index (MPI) in healthy early postmenopausal women. Method In a prospective, controlled study, 60 healthy postmenopausal women were assigned to two groups (32 in the HRT group and 28 in the control group). After conventional echocardiographic parameters were measured, tissue Doppler echocardiography recordings were obtained from the mitral and tricuspid annulus. Systolic myocardial velocity (Sm), early and late diastolic myocardial velocities (Em and Am) and time intervals were measured and MPI was calculated. Then the symptom-limited exercise stress test using the Bruce protocol was performed. After 3 and 6 months of HRT (oral 0.625 mg conjugated estrogen + 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate/day), the same examinations were repeated. The effects of HRT on myocardial velocities, MPI and exercise time were evaluated at the 3rd and 6th months. Results The parameters of the control group remained statistically unchanged during the study. HRT did not have any effect on segmental and mean left ventricular (LV) Sm or right ventricular (RV) Sm. However, LV Em/Am and RV Em/Am ratios significantly increased at the 6th month of HRT, and LV and RV MPI values were observed to decrease significantly as compared to basal values. Additionally, a significant increase was observed in exercise duration and metabolic equivalent values after 3 months of HRT, and this increase continued at the 6th month as well. The favorable changes in all parameters in the HRT group were significantly different from those of the control group. Conclusion Data obtained in this study suggest that HRT is not only effective for treating menopausal complaints but also increases cardiovascular performance by improving especially diastolic functions in early postmenopausal women.

 

Joint Bone Spine. 2010 Feb 23. [Epub ahead of print]

Calcium intake and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in French women.

Fardellone P, Cotté FE, Roux C, Lespessailles E, Mercier F, Gaudin AF.

Inserm ERI 12, service de rhumatologie, Amiens University Hospital, CHU Nord, France.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate dietary calcium intake in postmenopausal women over 45 years of age and compare intake according to osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture history. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women over 45 years in the general population was conducted using a stratified random sampling method and face-to-face interviews. Information was collected on osteoporosis diagnosis, fracture history and risk factors. Information on dietary calcium intake was collected using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Two thousand six hundred and thirty-one women (mean age: 67.9+/-10.0 years) were included. Two hundred and fifty-four (9.7%) had received a diagnosis of osteoporosis by bone densitometry, of whom 154 (45.3%) reported at least one previous fracture. Total mean daily dietary calcium intake was 754mg/day, of which dairy products (milk, cheese and others) were the principal source. Overall, 37.2% of the sample consumed<600mg/day and 20.1% >1000mg/d. The proportion of women consuming <600mg/day increased with age (p=0.0028). No difference in mean daily calcium intake was observed between women with or without a diagnosis of osteoporosis or with or without fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Mean dietary calcium intake in this population is well below that recommended in current national guidelines (>/=1500mg/day), notably in those most at risk for fractures, such as women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or those in older age groups. Intake does not appear to be influenced by osteoporosis diagnosis or fracture experience.

 

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2010 Feb 23. [Epub ahead of print]

Does Calcium Supplementation Increase Cardiovascular Risk?

Reid IR, Bolland MJ, Grey A.

Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Abstract Calcium supplementation is widely used for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men. While there has been ongoing debate regarding its effectiveness in fracture prevention, the underlying assumption has been that, even if it was not particularly effective, at least it was safe. The recent finding of the Auckland Calcium Study that myocardial infarctions were more common in women randomised to calcium, calls this assumption into question, and consideration of vascular event data from other calcium trials does not refute the Auckland findings. Meta-analyses of these data will be necessary to settle this matter. It is already accepted that calcium supplements increase vascular risk in patients with renal compromise, even in those not yet requiring dialysis. Also, there is substantial epidemiological evidence that serum calcium levels in the upper part of the normal range are a risk factor for vascular disease, and that calcium supplements acutely elevate serum calcium - a combination of findings that lends plausibility to supplementation increasing vascular risk. Since there are reasonable grounds for doubting the safety of calcium supplements, and since the evidence for their efficacy in fracture prevention remains marginal, we suggest there should be a reappraisal of their role in the management of osteoporosis, with a greater emphasis on agents known to prevent fractures.

 

N Engl J Med. 2010 Feb 25;362(8):686-96.

Lasofoxifene in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Cummings SR, Ensrud K, Delmas PD, LaCroix AZ, Vukicevic S, Reid DM, et al; PEARL Study Investigators.

BACKGROUND: The effects of lasofoxifene on the risk of fractures, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease are uncertain. METHODS: In this randomized trial, we assigned 8556 women who were between the ages of 59 and 80 years and had a bone mineral density T score of -2.5 or less at the femoral neck or spine to receive once-daily lasofoxifene (at a dose of either 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg) or placebo for 5 years. Primary end points were vertebral fractures, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, and nonvertebral fractures; secondary end points included major coronary heart disease events and stroke. RESULTS: Lasofoxifene at a dose of 0.5 mg per day, as compared with placebo, was associated with reduced risks of vertebral fracture (13.1 cases vs. 22.4 cases per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47 to 0.70), nonvertebral fracture (18.7 vs. 24.5 cases per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.91), ER-positive breast cancer (0.3 vs. 1.7 cases per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.56), coronary heart disease events (5.1 vs. 7.5 cases per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.93), and stroke (2.5 vs. 3.9 cases per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.99). Lasofoxifene at a dose of 0.25 mg per day, as compared with placebo, was associated with reduced risks of vertebral fracture (16.0 vs. 22.4 cases per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.83) and stroke (2.4 vs. 3.9 cases per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.96) Both the lower and higher doses, as compared with placebo, were associated with an increase in venous thromboembolic events (3.8 and 2.9 cases vs. 1.4 cases per 1000 person-years; hazard ratios, 2.67 [95% CI, 1.55 to 4.58] and 2.06 [95% CI, 1.17 to 3.60], respectively). Endometrial cancer occurred in three women in the placebo group, two women in the lower-dose lasofoxifene group, and two women in the higher-dose lasofoxifene group. Rates of death per 1000 person-years were 5.1 in the placebo group, 7.0 in the lower-dose lasofoxifene group, and 5.7 in the higher-dose lasofoxifene group. CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, lasofoxifene at a dose of 0.5 mg per day was associated with reduced risks of nonvertebral and vertebral fractures, ER-positive breast cancer, coronary heart disease, and stroke but an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events.

 

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2010 Mar;10(3):467-76.

Denosumab--an emerging treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Lewiecki EM.

New Mexico Clinical Research & Osteoporosis Center, 300 Oak St. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease that is associated with an imbalance in bone remodeling. Denosumab is an investigational fully human monoclonal antibody to receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), a cytokine member of the TNF family that is the principal mediator of osteoclastic bone resorption. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: The efficacy and safety of denosumab in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis is evaluated by reviewing the published literature and presentations at scientific meetings through 2009. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: This review focuses on the data on fracture risk reduction and safety endpoints of denosumab in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, denosumab (60 mg by subcutaneous injection every 6 months) increased bone mineral density, reduced bone turnover markers, and reduced the risk of vertebral, hip and non-vertebral fractures. Denosumab was well tolerated with a safety profile generally similar to placebo. It is a promising emerging drug for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

 

Maturitas. 2010 Mar;65(3):237-243. Epub 2009 Dec 23.

Menopause and modifiable coronary heart disease risk factors: A population based study.

Agrinier N, Cournot M, Dallongeville J, Arveiler D, Ducimetière P, Ruidavets JB, Ferrières J.

CHU Nancy, Epidémiologie et Evaluation Cliniques, Nancy, France.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to determine the effect of the menopause on various coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and on the global risk of CHD in a population based sample of women, making the difference between menopause and age related effects. STUDY DESIGN: The Third French MONICA cross-sectional survey on cardiovascular risk included 1730 randomly selected women, aged 35-64 years, representative from the general population. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women were defined as post-menopausal (postM; n=696), peri-menopausal (periM; n=183) or pre-menopausal (preM; n=659) based on the date of last menses. Socio-demographic, clinical and biological data were collected. Analyses of variance were used to compare means. RESULTS: PostM women had significantly higher age-adjusted levels of total cholesterol (6.0mmol/L in postM vs. 5.7mmol/L in preM, p<0.05) and LDL cholesterol (3.9mmol/L vs. 3.6mmol/L, p<0.05). There was no difference in HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels, glycemia or blood pressure. Further adjustment on body mass index and hormonal treatments did not modify the results. No risk factor was significantly different between periM and postM. However, the Framingham 10-year risk of CHD was higher in postM, as compared with periM (5.1% vs. 5.0%, p<0.05). In postM women, lipids and the Framingham risk were not associated with elapsed time since menopause. CONCLUSIONS: The CHD risk increases during the sixth decade could be explained not only by estrogen deprivation but also by an effect on lipid profile, which is likely to occur in the peri-menopause period.

 

Maturitas. 2010 Mar;65(3):272-275. Epub 2009 Dec 9.

Waist circumference and serum adiponectin levels in obese and non-obese postmenopausal women.

Milewicz A, Jędrzejuk D, Dunajska K, Lwow F.

Department. of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wybrzeze, Wrocław, Poland.

OBJECTIVES: A proposed missing link between obesity and metabolic disturbances is adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived peptide. Adiponectin is a potent antidiabetic hormone and seems to have a beneficial influence on lipid profile as well. The need to explain the complex physiological roles of this hormone prompted the authors to study the relationship between adiponectin level and obesity - related abnormalities in a homogenous population of postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: The study involved 272 postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years. Invitations to participate in the study were sent to 4000 randomly chosen women from the Wroclaw city population fulfilling the age criterion. A telephone questionnaire was administered to the group of 1731 women who responded to the invitation and then subjects for the study were selected. Main outcome measures anthropometrical measurements of body fat tissue content and fat tissue distribution assessment were carried out in all the women. Moreover, serum concentrations of adiponectin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were measured. RESULTS: The most frequent (76%) phenotype among the investigated women was obesity (BMI >25) with abnormal (=80cm) waist circumference (OAW), Obesity with normal (<80cm) waist (ONW) and normal weight with abnormal waist (NOAW) were observed in only 5% and 14% of the women, respectively. Non-obese women with normal waist (NONW) were noted in only 5% of the subjects. Serum adiponectin levels in both groups of non-obese women (NOAW and NONW) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the women with obesity or overweight and abnormal waist circumference (OAW group). Adiponectin levels in the women with obesity or overweight and normal waist (ONW) were also higher than in the OAW group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.05). In all the women, serum adiponectin level correlated negatively with BMI (r=-0.34, p=0.0001), total fat (r=-0.28, p=0.0001), android fat deposit (r=-0.23, p=0.0001), waist circumference (r=-0.33, p=0.0001), glucose (r=-0.27, p=0.0001), triglycerides (r=-0.34, p=0.0001), and FIRI (r=-0.34, p=0.0001) and positively with the gynoid/android fat deposit ratio (r=0.28, p=0.0001) and HDL cholesterol (r=0.36, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that adiponectin could be a marker of the development of menopausal insulin resistance syndrome.

 

Maturitas. 2010 Mar;65(3):267-271. Epub 2009 Dec 8.

Exercise training associated with estrogen therapy induced cardiovascular benefits after ovarian hormones deprivation.

Flues K, Paulini J, Brito S, Sanches IC, Consolim-Colombo F, Irigoyen MC, De Angelis K.

Hypertension Unit, Heart Institute (InCor), University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Menopause is recognized as a period of increased risk for coronary heart disease. Although the benefits of exercise training in lowering cardiovascular risk factors are well established, the risks and benefits of hormone therapy have been questioned. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of estrogen therapy (HT) associated or not with exercise training (ET) in autonomic cardiovascular control in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Female rats were divided into: control, OVX, OVX+HT, OVX+ET and OVX+HT+ET. HT was performed using a 0.25mg 8-weeks sustained release pellet. Trained groups were submitted to an 8-week exercise training protocol on treadmill. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was evaluated by heart rate responses to arterial pressure (AP) changes, and vagal and sympathetic tonus by pharmacological blockade. Ovariectomy induced an AP increase (123+/-2mmHg vs. 108+/-2mmHg), BRS impairment ( approximately 69%), sympathetic activation ( approximately 100%) and vagal tonus reduction ( approximately 77%) compared to controls. HT or ET normalized the changes in parasympathetic tonus. However, only the association HT+ET was able to promote normalization of AP, BRS and sympathetic tonus, as compared to controls. These results indicate that ET induces cardiovascular and autonomic benefits in OVX rats under HT, suggesting a positive role of this association in the management of cardiovascular risk factor in postmenopausal women.

 

 

Semana del 16 al 23 de Febrero 2010

 

Menopause. 2010 Feb 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Estrogen and progestogen use in postmenopausal women: 2010 position statement of The North American Menopause Society.

OBJECTIVE:: To update for both clinicians and the lay public the evidence-based position statement published by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) in July 2008 regarding its recommendations for menopausal hormone therapy (HT) for postmenopausal women, with consideration for the therapeutic benefit-risk ratio at various times through menopause and beyond. METHODS:: An Advisory Panel of clinicians and researchers expert in the field of women's health was enlisted to review the July 2008 NAMS position statement, evaluate new evidence through an evidence-based analysis, and reach consensus on recommendations. The Panel's recommendations were reviewed and approved by the NAMS Board of Trustees as an official NAMS position statement. Also participating in the review process were other interested organizations who then endorsed the document. RESULTS:: Current evidence supports a consensus regarding the role of HT in postmenopausal women, when potential therapeutic benefits and risks around the time of menopause are considered. This paper lists all these areas along with explanatory comments. Areas that vary from the 2008 position statement are noted. A suggested reading list of key references published since the last statement is also provided. CONCLUSIONS:: Recent data support the initiation of HT around the time of menopause to treat menopause-related symptoms; to treat or reduce the risk of certain disorders, such as osteoporosis or fractures in select postmenopausal women; or both. The benefit-risk ratio for menopausal HT is favorable for women who initiate HT close to menopause but decreases in older women and with time since menopause in previously untreated women.

 

 

Climacteric. 2010 Feb 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Effect of abrupt discontinuation versus gradual dose reduction of postmenopausal hormone therapy on hot flushes.

Cunha EP, Azevedo LH, Pompei LM, Strufaldi R, Steiner ML, Ferreira JA, Peixoto S, Fernandes CE.

ABC School of Medicine, Santo André, Brazil.

Objective To compare the effects of the abrupt discontinuation of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and reduction of the daily dosage of the hormone on climacteric symptoms. Methods The study included Brazilian postmenopausal women who were using estrogen-progestogen hormone therapy in full doses previously prescribed for vasomotor symptoms. The patients were randomized to receive one of three treatments: placebo for 6 months; estradiol (E2) 1 mg/day + norethisterone acetate (NETA) 0.5 mg/day for 2 months, followed by placebo for 4 months; or E2 1 mg/day + NETA 0.5 mg/day for 4 months, followed by placebo for 2 months. The climacteric symptoms were assessed by the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index at baseline and at 2, 4 and 6 months. Statistical evaluation was performed using the chi(2) or Fisher's test for categorical data, the Kruskal-Wallis test for numerical data, and ANOVA for time and group relationship with the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index. Results We randomized 60 women (20 in each group), and 54 completed the study. It was observed that both the full Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index and the hot flush score did not change significantly in the HT group during low-dose therapy compared with baseline; however, the evaluation performed at 2 months after low-dose-HT cessation showed that the full Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index and the hot flush score were similar to those of the group who stopped HT abruptly and significantly higher than at baseline (hot flush scores: p < 0.001 for all three groups at months 2, 4 and 6, respectively, vs. baseline). Conclusion Discontinuation of HT by reducing the daily dose of estrogen for a period of 2 or 4 months did not differ in its effect from that of abrupt cessation with regard to vasomotor symptoms.

 

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Feb 19. [Epub ahead of print]

Long-Term Use of Bisphosphosphonates in Osteoporosis.

Watts NB, Diab DL.

University of Cincinnati Bone Health and Osteoporosis Center, Cincinnati Ohio 45219.

Context: Bisphosphonates have been widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Uncommon side effects have emerged in postapproval use. Because bisphosphonates accumulate in bone and are released for months or years after treatment is stopped, it is reasonable to consider the clinical question of how long to treat. Objective: In this personal perspective, we review the pharmacology and mechanism of action of bisphosphonates and the clinical studies that support their efficacy. We then review the literature for longer-term studies and reports of possible side effects that were not seen in clinical trials. Results: Bisphosphonates have demonstrated antifracture efficacy in randomized, placebo-controlled trials of 3 and 4 yr duration and have been widely used since the initial release of alendronate in 1995. For zoledronic acid and risedronate, an early effect (fractures reduced within 6-12 months of starting therapy) has been shown. A sustained effect for risedronate has been shown through 5 yr and suggested through 7 yr. Ten-year data with alendronate and 8 yr data with risedronate indicated good tolerability and safety; it is unlikely that longer-term studies will be done. Side effects that emerged in clinical trials include esophageal irritation with oral administration and acute phase response with iv treatment or high-dose oral therapy. Uncommon side effects that have been noted with wide clinical use include osteonecrosis of the jaw, musculoskeletal complaints, and atypical fractures. The numbers of events are small, and a clear cause-and-effect relationship between these events and bisphosphonate treatment has not been established. Because bisphosphonates accumulate in bone, they create a reservoir leading to continued release from bone for months or years after treatment is stopped. Studies with risedronate and alendronate suggest that if treatment is stopped after 3-5 yr, there is persisting antifracture efficacy, at least for 1-2 yr. Conclusions: Bisphosphonates are popular and effective for treatment of osteoporosis. Because they accumulate in bone and provide some residual antifracture reduction when treatment is stopped, we recommend a drug holiday after 5-10 yr of bisphosphonate treatment. The duration of treatment and length of the holiday are based on fracture risk and pharmacokinetics of the bisphosphonate used. Patients at mild risk might stop treatment after 5 yr and remain off as long as bone mineral density is stable and no fractures occur. Higher risk patients should be treated for 10 yr, have a holiday of no more than a year or two, and perhaps be on a nonbisphosphonate treatment during that time.

 

Climacteric. 2010 Feb 10. [Epub ahead of print]

Correlates of sexual functioning in Italian menopausal women.

Sarti CD, Graziottin A, Mincigrucci M, Ricci E, Chiaffarino F, Bonaca S, Becorpi A, Cipriani S, Parazzini F.

Associazione Ostetrici Ginecologi Ospedalieri Italiani (AOGOI), Perugia.

Objectives To analyze the sexuality of Italian menopausal women. Design Cross-sectional study. Population Menopausal women consecutively observed during the study period in menopause clinics. Methods Women were interviewed about their current and premenopausal sexual activity: sexual intercourse frequency and self-rated sexual desire, capacity for orgasm and sexual satisfaction were recorded. Women were defined as having poor sexual functioning if they had one or less sexual intercourses per week or answered 'absent/poor' to the questions about the sexual domains. Results Oral hormone therapy (HT) use (odds ratio (OR) 0.43 for desire, 0.54 for orgasm and 0.56 for overall sexual satisfaction, all p < 0.001) and transdermal HT (OR 0.38, 0.53 and 0.53, respectively, all p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower risk of poor sexual functioning. Higher physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS, range 0-100) of the Short Form-12 are inversely related to poor sexual functioning (OR by point 0.96, 0.95, 0.95 for PCS and 0.96, 0.96 and 0.95, for MCS, respectively, all p < 0.001). Pain during and symptoms after sexual intercourse were significantly related to desire (OR 1.96 and 1.78, respectively), orgasm (OR 2.22 and 2.06, respectively) and sexual satisfaction (OR 2.02 and 1.79, respectively). The partner's health problems were associated with low sexual intercourse frequency (OR 4.18, p < 0.001) and absent/poor overall satisfaction (OR 2.61, p < 0.001). Conclusions This study shows that, in menopausal Italian women attending menopause clinics, sexual function is associated with the quality of sexual life in reproductive age, partner's health status, current quality of life, HT and occurrence of pain during and symptoms after sexual intercourse.

 

Breast. 2010 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print]

The rise and fall in menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer incidence.

Pelucchi C, Levi F, La Vecchia C.

Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy.

Studies conducted in different areas of North America and Europe showed a 5-10% decline in the incidence of breast cancer following reductions up to 70% in menopause hormone therapy (HT) use after 2002. The observation that the decline was larger in (or limited to) women aged >/=50 years weighs in favour of an effect of reduced HT use on breast cancer incidence. However, changes in screening are also likely to play a role in the decreasing incidence of breast cancer observed in several countries. In particular, the technical improvements and the increased effectiveness of breast cancer screening and detection during the 1990s led to a decreased number of pre-clinical cases found by screening in subsequent years. Further, disentangling the effects of HT use and screening is difficult, as women who stop using HT may also undergo mammography screening less frequently. Thus, the reasons of the falls in incidence remain open to discussion.

 

Ann Intern Med. 2010 Feb 16;152(4):211-7.

Coronary heart disease in postmenopausal recipients of estrogen plus progestin therapy: does the increased risk ever disappear? A randomized trial.

Toh S, Hernández-Díaz S, Logan R, Rossouw JE, Hernán MA.

Harvard School of Public Health, Boston,  Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Background: Estrogen plus progestin therapy increases the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in postmenopausal women. However, this increased risk might be limited to the first years of use and to women who start therapy late in menopause. Objective: To estimate the effect of continuous estrogen plus progestin therapy on CHD risk over time and stratified by years since menopause. Design: Women's Health Initiative randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00000611) Setting: 40 U.S. clinical centers. Patients: 16 608 postmenopausal women with an intact uterus at baseline from 1993 to 1998. Intervention: Conjugated equine estrogens, 0.625 mg/d, plus medroxyprogesterone acetate, 2.5 mg/d, or placebo. Measurements: Adherence-adjusted hazard ratios and CHD-free survival curves estimated through inverse probability weighting. Results: Compared with no use of hormone therapy, the hazard ratio for continuous use of estrogen plus progestin therapy was 2.36 (95% CI, 1.55 to 3.62) for the first 2 years and 1.69 (CI, 0.98 to 2.89) for the first 8 years. For women within 10 years after menopause, the hazard ratios were 1.29 (CI, 0.52 to 3.18) for the first 2 years and 0.64 (CI, 0.21 to 1.99) for the first 8 years, and the CHD-free survival curves for continuous use and no use of estrogen plus progestin crossed at about 6 years (CI, 2 years to 10 years). Limitation: The analysis may not have fully adjusted for joint determinants of adherence and CHD risk. Sample sizes for some subgroup analyses were small. Conclusion: No suggestion of a decreased risk for CHD was found within the first 2 years of estrogen plus progestin use, including in women who initiated therapy within 10 years after menopause. A possible cardioprotective effect in these women who initiated therapy closer to menopause became apparent only after 6 years of use.

 

Arthritis Res Ther. 2010 Feb 19;12(1):R30. [Epub ahead of print]

Bisphosphonates and risk of atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis.

Kim SY, Kim MJ, Cadarette SM, Solomon DH.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates are the most commonly used drugs for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Although a recent FDA review of the results of clinical trials reported no clear link between bisphosphonates and serious or non-serious atrial fibrillation (AF), some epidemiologic studies have suggested an association between AF and bisphosphonates. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of non-experimental studies to evaluate the risk of AF associated with bisphosphonates. Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE using a combination of the Medical Subject Headings and keywords. Our search was limited to English language articles. The pooled estimates of odds ratios (OR) as a measure of effect size were calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS: Seven eligible studies with 266,761 patients were identified: three cohort, three case-control, and one self-controlled case series. Bisphosphonate exposure was not associated with an increased risk of AF [pooled multivariate OR 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92-1.16] after adjusting for known risk factors. Moderate heterogeneity was noted (I-squared score=62.8%). Stratified analyses by study design, cohort versus case-control studies, yielded similar results. Egger's and Begg's tests did not suggest an evidence of publication bias (P=0.90, 1.00 respectively). No clear asymmetry was observed in the funnel plot analysis. Few studies compared risk between bisphosphonates or by dosing. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not find an association between bisphosphonate exposure and AF. This finding is consistent with the FDA's statement.

 

Int J Cancer. 2010 Feb 16. [Epub ahead of print]

Endometrial cancer incidence trends in Norway during 1953-2007 and predictions for 2008-2027.

Lindemann K, Eskild A, Vatten LJ, Bray F.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway.

Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female genital tract in Western countries. Monitoring the incidence is important for health care planning and the identification of risk factors.We present an age-period-cohort analysis of incidence trends of endometrial cancer in Norway from 1953 to 2007 and compare the incidence trends with those in three other Nordic countries. Based on the observed trends we have predicted endometrial cancer rates in Norway in 2015 and 2025.In women at postmenopausal age (=55 years), the annual incidence increase was 2.1% (95% CI: 0.9%, 3.4%) from 1988 to 1997 and 1.7% (95% CI: 0.6%, 2.8%) from 1998 to 2007. In younger women, there was an annual reduction of 0.6% (95% CI: -2.3%, 2.2%) from 1988 to 1997, followed by an annual increase of 1.7% (95% CI: -0.4%, 3.9%) from 1998 to 2007. The secular changes are likely to reflect both cohort and period effects. Our prediction estimates by 2025 suggest an incidence increase in the range of 50% to 100%, relative to the observed incidence in 2005.

 

 

Br J Cancer. 2010 Feb 16. [Epub ahead of print]

Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment are associated with reduced breast cancer risk.

Newcomb PA, Trentham-Dietz A, Hampton JM.

University of Wisconsin Paul P Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, 610 Walnut Street, Madison, WI, USA.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphanates are used primarily for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and are also indicated for osseous complications of malignancy. In addition to their bone resorption properties, the most commonly used nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate compounds also inhibit protein prenylation, and thus may exert anti-tumour properties.METHODS: To evaluate whether the use of these drugs may be associated with cancer, specifically breast cancer, we conducted a population-based case-control study in Wisconsin from 2003 to 2006. Participants included 2936 incident invasive breast cancer cases and 2975 population controls aged <70 years. Bisphosphonate use and potential confounders were assessed by interview.RESULTS: Using multivariable logistic regression, the odds ratio for breast cancer in current bisphosphonate users compared with non-users was 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.51-0.89). Increasing duration of use was associated with a greater reduction in risk (P-trend=0.01). Risk reduction was observed in women who were not obese (P-interaction=0.005).CONCLUSION: These results are suggestive of an additional benefit of the common use of bisphosphonates, in this instance, the reduction in breast cancer risk.

 

Semana del 27 de Enero al 16 de Febrero 2010

 

Climacteric. 2010 Feb 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Menopausal symptoms within a Hispanic cohort: SWAN, the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

Green R, Polotsky AJ, Wildman RP, McGinn AP, Lin J, Derby C, Johnston J, Ram KT, Crandall CJ, Thurston R, Gold E, Weiss G, Santoro N.

*Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health.

Introduction Since the designation of people as Hispanic involves the amalgamation of a number of different cultures and languages, we sought to test the hypothesis that menopausal symptoms would differ among Hispanic women, based upon country of origin and degree of acculturation. Methods A total of 419 women, aged 42-52 years at baseline, were categorized as: Central American (CA, n = 29) or South American (SA, n = 106), Puerto Rican (PR, n = 56), Dominican (D, n = 42), Cuban (Cu, n = 44) and non-Hispanic Caucasian (n = 142). We assessed vasomotor symptoms, vaginal dryness and trouble in sleeping. Hispanics and non-Hispanic Caucasians were compared using the chi(2) test, t test or non-parametric alternatives; ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis testing examined differences among the five Hispanic sub-groups. Multivariable regression models used PR women as the reference group. Results Hispanic women were overall less educated, less acculturated (p < 0.001 for both) than non-Hispanic Caucasians and more of them reported vasomotor symptoms (34.1-72.4% vs. 38.3% among non-Hispanic Caucasians; p = 0.0293) and vaginal dryness (17.9-58.6% vs. 21.1% among non-Hispanic Caucasians, p = 0.0287). Among Hispanics, more CA women reported vasomotor symptoms than D, Cu, SA, or PR women (72.4% vs. 45.2%, 34.1%, 50.9%, and 51.8%, respectively). More CA (58.6%) and D women (38.1%) reported vaginal dryness than PR (17.9%), Cu (25.0%) and SA (31.4%) women. More PR and D women reported trouble in sleeping (66.1 and 64.3%, respectively) compared to CA (51.7%), Cu (36.4%), and SA (45.3%) women. Conclusion Symptoms associated with menopause among Hispanic women differed by country of origin but not acculturation. Central American women appear to be at greatest risk for both vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness.

 

Maturitas. 2010 Feb 3. [Epub ahead of print]

Assessment of self-esteem in mid-aged women.

Chedraui P, Pérez-López FR, Mendoza M, Leimberg ML, Martinez MA, Vallarino V, Hidalgo L.

Academic and Research Department, Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Enrique C. Sotomayor, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Católica de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

OBJECTIVE: To assess self-esteem and affecting factors in a middle-aged Ecuadorian female population using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study in which 149 women (40-59 years) were requested to fill out the RSES and a general socio-demographic form containing personal and partner data. RESULTS: Mean age of sample was 47.6+/-5.5 years, a 67.8% had less than 12 years of schooling and 33.6% were postmenopausal. At the moment of the survey 2.7% were on hormone therapy, and 2% were taking psychotropic drugs. Mean total RSES score was 26.6+/-3.1 (median 26, range 17-35). A 35.6% and 18.1% of women respectively presented total RSES scores below 26 (median) and 25 (25th percentile) suggesting lower self-esteem. Total scores did not differ when comparing older age, menopausal phases or time since the menopause. Logistic regression analysis determined that women with lower parity and an unhealthy partner were related to lower total RSES scores (below the 25th percentile) suggesting lower self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: In this mid-aged series lower self-esteem was not related to the aging process per se yet to socio-demographic female/male aspects. More research is needed in this regard that incorporates other sociological aspects.

 

Climacteric. 2010 Feb 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Adherence with hormone replacement therapy in menopause.

Fistonic I, Franic D, Popic J, Fistonic N, Maletic A.

Menopause Clinic, Zagreb, Croatia.

Objective Lack of adherence to therapy is a common problem in the treatment of various diseases and conditions and there are many well-documented reasons for it. This study was conducted to assess the effect of time spent on medical consultation in relation to the duration of adherence, as well as the reasons to adhere to or drop out from hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Design and methods Two methods were used, self-filled questionnaires on a sample of patients and telephone interviews on a sample of doctors. The questions dealt with a number of personal and gynecological history variables. The participants were chosen using random sampling from population lists. A total of 74 participating offices recruited all postmenopausal patients, regardless of their HRT use and whether they visited the office for a specific complaint or just for a routine check-up. The doctors were interviewed regarding the average time spent with a patient, prescribing dilemmas and counselling on sexuality. Results The main finding was that the time spent on consultation and the physicians' interest in postmenopause critically influence the patients' adherence. The effective time spent with patients was in accordance with the National Health Insurance guidelines for public sector doctors, but it was twice as long for private sector doctors. Conclusion This study shows that extended medical consultation promotes better compliance by lowering patient fears, while trusted authorities seem to be more convincing to patients on the benefits of HRT and therefore more effective, even if they do not take more time to talk to patients.

 

Maturitas. 2010 Feb 1. [Epub ahead of print]

Bone turnover markers and bone mineral density in hypertensive postmenopausal women on treatment.

Olmos JM, Hernández JL, Martínez J, Castillo J, Valero C, Pérez Pajares I, Nan D, González-Macías J.

Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, RETICEF, Santander, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism in hypertensive postmenopausal women, and to differentiate the effect of thiazides from that of other antihypertensive agents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A community-based population of 636 postmenopausal women, 293 with hypertension (160 receiving thiazides, and 133 receiving other antihypertensive treatments), and 343 control women, were evaluated. Serum levels of aminoterminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CTX), 25-hydroxivitamin D, and intact parathyroid hormone were measured by electrochemiluminiscence. BMD was determined by DXA, and heel quantitative ultrasound measurements (QUS) with a gel-coupled device. RESULTS: BMD expressed as Z-score was higher in both groups of hypertensive women at all locations. Expressed as g/cm(2), it was also higher in patients on thiazides at femoral neck and lumbar spine. Only in the latter site, differences remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding variables, including BMI. Bone turnover markers were lower in both groups of hypertensive women, although the difference was greater in those on thiazides. After adjusting for potential confounders, differences remained significant only in the thiazide group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results add evidence to the idea that thiazides are beneficial to prevent bone loss.

 

 

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2010 Feb;18(2):177-86.

Psychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunction among older, postmenopausal women: results from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study.

Colenda CC, Legault C, Rapp SR, DeBon MW, Hogan P, Wallace R, Hershey L, Ockene J, Whitmer R, Phillips LS, Sarto GE.

Texas A&M Health Science Center, TX, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of depressive symptoms and selected psychiatric disorders in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) cohort and related them to cognitive syndromes. DESIGN: WHIMS was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled prevention clinical trial examining whether opposed and unopposed hormone therapy reduced the risk of dementia in healthy postmenopausal women. Participants scoring below a designated cutpoint on a cognitive screener received a comprehensive neuropsychiatric workup and adjudicated outcome of no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, or probable dementia. PARTICIPANTS: Seven thousand four hundred seventy-nine WHIMS participants between age 65 and 79 years and free of dementia at the time of enrollment in WHIMS. Five hundred twenty-one unique participants contributed complete data required for these analyses. MEASURES: Depressive symptoms were measured with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and the presence of selected psychiatric disorders (major depression, generalized anxiety, and panic and alcohol abuse) was made using the PRIME-MD. RESULTS: The 18% of women had at least one psychiatric disorder with depression being the most common (16%) followed by general anxiety or panic (6%) and alcohol abuse (1%). Depression and the presence of a psychiatric disorder were associated with impaired cognitive status. Participants having a psychiatric disorder were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with cognitive impairment as those with no psychiatric disorder (odds ratio = 2.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.17-3.60). Older age, white race, and diabetes were also associated with cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: The frequency of a psychiatric disorder is associated with poorer cognitive functioning among older women enrolled in WHIMS. That approximately one in five women had a probable psychiatric disorder, most typically depression, highlights the need for greater detection and treatment efforts in this population.

 

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010 Jan 25. [Epub ahead of print]

The critical period hypothesis of estrogen effects on cognition: Insights from basic research.

Daniel JM, Bohacek J.

Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.

BACKGROUND: In addition to its primary role in reproduction estrogen impacts brain areas important for cognition, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. It has been hypothesized that decline in estrogen levels in women following menopause is associated with, or can exacerbate, age-related cognitive decline. However, clinical evidence to support a role for estrogen in preventing cognitive decline in women as they age is equivocal. The critical period hypothesis of estrogen effects on cognition, which proposes that estrogen administration has to be initiated within a critical time period following the loss of ovarian function in order for it to exert positive effects on the central nervous system, is offered as one explanation for inconsistencies across studies. SCOPE OF REVIEW: This review details results from basic research using rodent models investigating the effects of estrogen on cognition in the aging female. Emphasis is placed on work investigating effects of timing of initiation of estrogen administration on its subsequent efficacy. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Results of basic research provide support for the critical period hypothesis. Furthermore, results of work in rodent models suggest mechanisms by which the response to estrogen is altered if treatment is initiated following long-term ovarian hormone deprivation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding if and under what conditions hormone administration following the loss of ovarian function positively affects the brain and behavior could have important implications with regard to female cognitive aging. Results of basic research can contribute to this understanding and provide insight into the complex mechanisms by which estrogen affects cognition.

 

Joint Bone Spine. 2010 Jan 22. [Epub ahead of print]

Critical reappraisal of vitamin D deficiency.

Audran M, Briot K.

Inserm U 922, Unam, service de rhumatologie, CHU d'Angers, faculté de médecine, pôle ostéoarticulaire, Angers, France.

The current surge of interest in vitamin D is fuelled not only by evidence that vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk of osteoporotic fractures but also by vast observational studies indicating a variety of beneficial extraskeletal effects (including decreases in the risks of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and even death). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) assay is now a highly reliable method for evaluating vitamin D stores in individual patients. Nevertheless, the normal or desirable 25(OH)D range for patients seen in everyday clinical practice needs to be more accurately defined. Maintaining serum 25(OH)D above 75nmol/L is currently recommended to ensure optimal bone health, but higher levels may be required to obtain some of the extraskeletal benefits. Naturally occurring vitamin D is by far the most widely used form for correcting vitamin D deficiency, and the hydroxylated derivatives have only a few highly specific indications. However, controversy persists about the optimal modalities of natural vitamin D supplementation in terms of the type of vitamin (D2 or D3), schedule (once daily or at wider intervals), and route (oral or injectable). For chronic supplementation to protect against bone loss, a daily dosage of at least 800IU seems required. Higher dosages (e.g., 100,000 to 200,000IU every 2months for 6months) may be needed to correct established vitamin D deficiency; a repeat 25(OH)D assay after 4 to 6months may help to assess the treatment response and to adjust the subsequent vitamin D dosage. The current emphasis is on the detection of vitamin D deficiency in the general population and in subgroups at risk for osteoporosis followed by an assessment of severity and the initiation of appropriate treatment. From a public health perspective, supplying at least 800IU per day seems useful and safe.

 

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Jan 21. [Epub ahead of print]

Prevalence, incidence, and natural history of simple ovarian cysts among women >55 years old in a large cancer screening trial.

Greenlee RT, Kessel B, Williams CR, Riley TL, Ragard LR, Hartge P, Buys SS, Partridge EE, Reding DJ.

Epidemiology Research Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, WI.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the occurrence and natural history of simple ovarian cysts in a cohort of older women. STUDY DESIGN: Simple cysts were ascertained among a cohort of 15,735 women from the intervention arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial through 4 years of transvaginal ultrasound screening. RESULTS: Simple cysts were seen in 14% of women the first time that their ovaries were visualized. The 1-year incidence of new simple cysts was 8%. Among ovaries with 1 simple cyst at the first screen, 54% retained 1 simple cyst, and 32% had no cyst 1 year later. Simple cysts did not increase risk of subsequent invasive ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: Simple ovarian cysts are fairly common among postmenopausal women, and most cysts appear stable or resolve by the next annual examination. These findings support recent recommendations to follow unilocular simple cysts in postmenopausal women without intervention.

 

J Neuroimmunol. 2010 Jan 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Ovariectomy, a model of menopause in rodents, causes a premature aging of the nervous and immune systems.

Baeza I, De Castro NM, Giménez-Llort L, De la Fuente M.

Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Ovariectomy in rodents is a good model for mimicking human ovarian hormone loss. This work studies the consequences of ovariectomy on the nervous and immune systems in the context of biological aging. Ovariectomy accelerates the process of aging by impairing the sensorimotor abilities (with loss of muscular vigor and impaired equilibrium and traction capacities) and the exploratory capacities (with reduction of vertical exploratory activity). It also leads to a premature immunosenescence with regard to chemotaxis index, lymphoproliferative response and natural killer activity, parameters investigated in the spleen and axillary nodes. Therefore, ovariectomy deteriorates homeostasis and may be a model of premature aging.

 

Aging Male. 2010 Feb 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Clinical efficacy of Japanese traditional herbal medicine (Kampo) in patients with late-onset hypogonadism.

Amano T, Imao T, Takemae K.

Department of Urology, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan.

Introduction. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal therapy, particularly Japanese traditional herbal medicine (Kampo), has been used to alleviate the various symptoms of female menopause. The efficacy and safety of Japanese traditional herbal medicine for male late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) are investigated. Methods. One hundred fifty-one patients with LOH were treated via the administration of Japanese traditional herbal medicine. The most appropriate Japanese traditional herbal medicine was administered to patients according to their pathogenic alteration. After 4 weeks, the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on improvement of LOH symptoms and the score of the simplified menopausal index (SMI). Additionally, predictive factors of efficacy of Japanese traditional herbal medicine were analyzed. Results. Among 151 patients with LOH, 63 (41.8%) achieved both relief from LOH symptoms and normalized SMI score (Excellent response group), whereas 44 (29.1%) achieved either relief from LOH symptoms or normalized SMI score (Fair). However, 44 (29.1%) patients displayed neither relief from LOH symptoms nor normalized SMI score (Poor). Adverse reactions were observed only in four (2.6%) patients. Patients displaying excess conditions and mild LOH symptoms appeared to be superior candidates for Japanese traditional herbal medicine. Conclusion. Japanese traditional herbal medicine is an effective and safe treatment for LOH.

 

Menopause. 2010 Feb 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Appetitive hormones, but not isoflavone tablets, influence overall and central adiposity in healthy postmenopausal women.

Matvienko OA, Alekel DL, Genschel U, Ritland L, Van Loan MD, Koehler KJ.

From the 1School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls; 2Nutrition & Wellness Research Center, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, and 3Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; and 4US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA.

OBJECTIVE:: One of the multiple health benefits of soy protein or its isoflavones may be their purported favorable effect on body composition. We examined the effect of isoflavones extracted from soy protein on overall and regional body composition, taking into account appetitive hormones as potential mediators, as well as the direct effect on appetitive hormones. METHODS:: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial included 229 healthy postmenopausal women (age, 45.8-65 y; body mass index, 24.9 +/- 3.0 kg/m) who consumed placebo or soy isoflavone (80 or 120 mg/d) tablets for 12 months. We used intent-to-treat analysis to examine changes in body composition (whole-body lean mass, whole-body fat mass, androidal fat mass, and androidal-to-gynoidal fat mass ratio) and appetitive hormones (insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin) in response to treatment. RESULTS:: Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated that soy isoflavone treatment did not exert a significant effect on body composition measures (P value from 0.36 to 0.79) or appetitive hormone concentrations; the inclusion of covariates in statistical models did not alter these results. Independently of treatment, leptin and ghrelin related inversely to each body composition measure (P values from 0.044 to </=0.0001). Adiponectin related inversely to all fat measures (P values from 0.0004 to <0.0001). Time since last menstrual period related directly to all fat measures (P values from 0.06 to 0.0055). Dietary fat contributed to whole-body (P = 0.028) and androidal (P = 0.017) fat mass. CONCLUSIONS:: Our findings do not support a favorable effect of soy isoflavone tablets on body composition in healthy postmenopausal women.

 

Arch Neurol. 2010 Feb;67(2):195-201.

Prospective Study of Endogenous Circulating Estradiol and Risk of Stroke in Older Women.

Lee JS, Yaffe K, Lui LY, Cauley J, Taylor B, Browner W, Cummings S; for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Group.

Division of Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition, and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, PSSB, Ste G400, 4150 V St, Sacramento, CA 95817. jswlee@ucdavis.edu.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that circulating endogenous estradiol is associated with stroke risk in older postmenopausal women. Stroke incidence increases after menopause, when endogenous estrogen levels fall, yet exogenous estrogen increases strokes in older postmenopausal women. The relation between endogenous estrogen and stroke is unclear. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. SETTING: Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Patients or Other PARTICIPANTS: Women at least age 65 years (99% follow-up) who were not taking estrogen at baseline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Free estradiol index (FEI) was calculated by dividing total estradiol by sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations measured in banked baseline serum. Using logistic regression, odds ratios were estimated for a first-ever atherothrombotic stroke associated with endogenous FEI in 196 women who had a subsequent validated stroke (median follow-up, 8 years) compared with 219 randomly selected women who did not. Potential mediators were assessed in multivariable models. RESULTS: The age-adjusted odds of atherothrombotic stroke increased with increasing FEI quartiles (P(trend) = .007). Women in the highest FEI quartile had an age-adjusted 2.31-fold (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-4.17) higher odds than women in the lowest quartile. Women with greater central adiposity had a suggestively stronger association (P = .08). Atherogenic dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and C-reactive protein level were potential mediators of this relation. CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous estradiol level is an indicator of stroke risk in older postmenopausal women, especially in those with greater central adiposity. Potential mediators, including atherogenic dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation, might underlie this association. Whether estradiol, independent of atherogenic adiposity, influences such mediators and stroke risk needs to be determined. Estrogen-altering agents might be harmful or beneficial depending on endogenous estradiol levels, especially in women with greater central adiposity.

 

Thorax. 2010 Feb 8. [Epub ahead of print]

Postmenopausal hormone therapy and asthma onset in the E3N cohort.

Romieu I, Fabre A, Fournier A, Kauffmann F, Varraso R, Mesrine S, Leynaert B, Clavel-Chapelon F.

National Instituto of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Background Epidemiological studies have suggested that female hormones might play a role in asthma and that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)) might increase the risk of asthma in postmenopausal women. The only prospective study addressing this issue reports an increase in the risk of developing asthma which was similar for oestrogen alone and oestrogen/progestagen treatment. Methods The association between the use of different types of MHT and the risk of asthma onset in postmenopausal women was investigated prospectively from 1990 to 2002 by biennial questionnaires as part of the French E3N cohort study. Asthma onset was considered to be the time of medical diagnosis of asthma cases occurring during the follow-up of women who were asthma free at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models were used, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results Among 57 664 women free of asthma at menopause, 569 incident cases of asthma were identified during 495 448 years of follow-up. MHT was related to an increased risk of asthma onset (HR=1.20, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.46) among recent users. The increase in risk of asthma onset was only significant among women reporting the use of oestrogen alone (HR=1.54, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.09) particularly in never smokers (HR=1.80, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.80) and women reporting allergic disease prior to asthma onset (HR=1.86, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.93). A small increase in the risk of asthma onset associated with the use of oestrogen/progestagen was also observed in these subgroups. Conclusion Postmenopausal use of oestrogen alone was associated with an increased rate of newly diagnosed asthma in menopausal women.

 

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 Feb 4. [Epub ahead of print]

Effect of Exercise on Oxidative Stress: A 12-Month Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Campbell PT, Gross MD, Potter JD, Schmitz KH, Duggan C, Anne A, Ulrich CM.

1Department of Epidemiology, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA 2Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 3Division of Epidemiology and Department of Lab Pathology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN 4Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.

PURPOSE:: This study examined the effect of a yearlong exercise intervention on F2-isoprostane, a specific marker of lipid peroxidation and a general marker of oxidative stress. METHODS:: In a randomized, controlled trial, 173 overweight or obese, postmenopausal, sedentary women were randomized to an aerobic exercise intervention (60-75% observed maximal heart rate) for >/= 45 min.d, 5 d.wk (n = 87), or to a stretching control group (n = 86), on an intent-to-treat basis. Baseline and 12-month measures included: urinary F2-isoprostane, maximal O2 uptake, body weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and intra-abdominal fat surface area. Urine samples were available from 172 and 168 women at baseline and 12-months, respectively. RESULTS:: Over the 12-month study, controls minimally changed maximal O2 uptake (+0.2%) and body weight (+0.1 kg), whereas exercisers increased maximal O2 uptake (+13.6%; p-value < 0.0001 versus controls) and decreased body weight (-1.3 kg; p-value = 0.007 versus controls). F2-isoprostane increased slightly among controls (+3.3%) and decreased in exercisers (-6.2%), although the effect was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.26). In planned subgroup analyses, F2-isoprostane decreased linearly with gain in maximal O2 uptake (ptrend = 0.005) relative to controls; exercisers who increased maximal O2 uptake >15% decreased F2-isoprostane 14.1% (pvalue = 0.005 versus controls). A borderline statistically significant trend was observed between decreased waist circumference and F2-isoprostane (p-value = 0.06). Similar subgroup analyses by 12-month changes in body fat percentage, weight, and intra-abdominal fat were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:: These findings suggest that aerobic exercise, when accompanied by relatively marked gains in aerobic fitness, decreases oxidative stress among previously sedentary older women, and that these effects occur with minimal change in mass or body composition.