Selección de Resúmenes de Menopausia

                                                      Semana del 3 al 9 de Junio de 2009

                                   Juan Enrique Blümel. Departamento Medicina Sur. Universidad de Chile

 

 

 

Horm Metab Res. 2009 Jun 4. [Epub ahead of print]

Adipocytokines, Sex Hormones, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women: Factor Analysis of the Rancho Bernardo Study.

Krentz AJ, Mühlen DV, Barrett-Connor E.

1Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.

Steroid sex hormones modulate the expression of adipocytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of athero-thrombotic cardiovascular disease. We used exploratory factor analysis to search for latent associations between circulating sex steroid hormones, adipocytokines, and cardiovascular risk factors in a well-characterized cohort of postmenopausal women. Among participants in the Rancho Bernardo community study we identified 515 Caucasian women with a mean age of 74+/-8 years and mean body mass index of 24.2+/-3.7 kg/m (2). All had intact ovaries and none was using estrogen therapy. We constructed models aiming for structural clarity and high loading of variables on individual factors. Total adiponectin loaded with major lipid subfractions (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting triglycerides) and with sex hormone-binding globulin. Leptin loaded with central obesity (waist circumference) and fasting insulin levels. Neither adipocytokine loaded with total or bioavailable testosterone or with estradiol or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Sex hormones consistently loaded together on a separate factor; this co-segregation was not influenced by body mass index. Exclusion of women with diabetes did not alter these observations. In conclusion, we identified evidence of latent associations between adipocytokines and a range of cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. Our results suggest that cardiovascular risk in older women may be modulated through a hitherto unrecognized association between adiponectin, lipid subfractions, and sex hormone bioavailability.

 

 

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2009 Jun 2:1-4. [Epub ahead of print]

Hormone replacement therapy and successful pregnancy in a patient with premature ovarian failure.

Dragojevic-Dikic S, Rakic S, Nikolic B, Popovac S.

Gynecology - Obstetrics Clinic 'Narodni front', Belgrade University Medical School, Belgrade, Serbia.

Premature ovarian failure (POF), premature ovarian insufficiency, premature menopause or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, a serious life-changing condition that affects young women, remains an enigma and the researcher's challenge. In the present article we described a case of singleton pregnancy in a 33-year-old patient, presenting with POF and treated with hormone replacement therapy. Twenty months later this therapy led to maturation of one follicle, recruitment and fertilisation of the residual oocyte and spontaneous pregnancy ensued. A normal infant was delivered by cesarean section.

 

 

J Sex Med. 2009 Jun 1. [Epub ahead of print]

Prevalence and Impact of Vaginal Symptoms among Postmenopausal Women.

Santoro N, Komi J.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Ob/Gyn & Women's Health, New York, NY, USA;

ABSTRACT Introduction. Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is reported by one-quarter to one-half of postmenopausal women. Aim. We evaluated the prevalence, inconvenience of, and issues surrounding hormone use for VVA symptoms in women who were current, past, and never users of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), along with the relationship of sexual activity to VVA symptoms. Methods. An online survey was sent to 3,471 women >/=45 years old participating in a panel of approximately 43,000 U.S. adults maintained by Knowledge Networks. Respondents were stratified by MHT use (current, past, and never) and sexual activity (sexually active and not sexually active). Final respondent data underwent a poststratification process and Chi-square analysis of hormone use and VVA by sexual activity. Main Outcome Measures. Percent, calculated as the ratio of response over total responding for each survey question for all and stratified respondents. Results. Forty-five percent (1,038/2,290) of respondents (age range 45-89 years; mean 60.7 years) were postmenopausal and currently or previously experienced VVA. Approximately 60% of past or never users of MHT reported vaginal symptoms; >90% found them bothersome. In comparison, 82% of current users reported VVA symptoms prior to use. 85% of all respondents were aware of safety issues associated with MHT. The prevalence and perceived severity of VVA symptoms were substantial but less frequent in nonsexually active women. Analysis of MHT use by past or current hormone use indicated a trend away from oral dosing and towards patch or vaginal hormones. Conclusions. Postmenopausal women have a high rate of VVA symptoms. Those who use MHT do so for multiple reasons-hot flashes, VVA, bone protection, dyspareunia-and most have concerns about long-term safety, despite the fact that the majority of MHT use was for >5 years. Safety concerns and lack of physician recommendation were major reasons for not using or discontinuing MHT.

 

 

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2009 Jun 3. [Epub ahead of print]

The efficacy of sertraline for controlling hot flashes in women with or at high risk of developing breast cancer.

Wu MF, Hilsenbeck SG, Tham YL, Kramer R, Elledge RM, Chang JC, Friedman LC.

Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza BCM 600, Houston, TX, 77030, USA, mengfenw@bcm.edu.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of sertraline for controlling hot flashes in women with or at high risk of breast cancer. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. All participants were asked to complete hot flash diaries. Participants reporting weekly hot flash scores >15 during baseline week underwent a 1-week single-blind placebo run-in. Those reporting hot flash score reductions >50% following placebo run-in were excluded. The remaining women received an assigned treatment for 4 weeks. Both groups' demographic and clinical characteristics were similar with a greater decline, but not statistically significant, in hot flash frequencies and scores in the sertraline-treated group compared with the placebo (P = 0.13 and P = 0.15, respectively). Emotional well-being improved significantly in the sertraline group (P = 0.041). The study failed to demonstrate effectiveness of sertraline in attenuating hot flashes in women with or at high risk of developing breast cancer who were not recommended to take hormone replacement therapy.

 

 

J Alzheimers Dis. 2009 May;17(1):151-9.

Does vitamin d reduce the risk of dementia?

Grant WB.

Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center (SUNARC), P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA.

The understanding of the role of vitamin D in maintaining optimal health has advanced sharply in the past two decades. There is mounting evidence for beneficial roles for vitamin D in reducing the risk of bone diseases and fractures, many types of cancer, bacterial and viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, several reports have also been published regarding the role of vitamin D in neuroprotection. This article develops the hypothesis that vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing dementia, presenting the evidence from observational and laboratory studies. The observational evidence includes that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, depression, dental caries, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease, all of which are either considered risk factors for dementia or have preceded incidence of dementia. The laboratory evidence includes several findings on the role of vitamin D in neuroprotection and reducing inflammation. Although this evidence is supportive, there do not appear to be observational studies of incidence of dementia with respect to prediagnostic serum 25(OH)D or vitamin D supplementation. Such studies now appear to be warranted.

 

 

Ann Intern Med. 2009 Jun 2;150(11):752-65.

Short-term hormone therapy suspension and mammography recall: a randomized trial.

Buist DS, Anderson ML, Reed SD, Aiello Bowles EJ, Fitzgibbons ED, Gandara JC, Seger D, Newton KM.

Group Health Center for Health Studies, University of Washington, and Group Health Permanente, 125 16th Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA. buist.d@ghc.org

BACKGROUND: Without population-based evidence, some clinicians recommend short-term suspension of hormone therapy to improve the performance of mammography. Hormone therapy increases breast density, and abnormal screening mammograms are more common among women with denser breasts and among women using hormone therapy. OBJECTIVE: To test whether 1 to 2 months of hormone therapy suspension before screening mammography decreases additional mammographic imaging (recall) in women age 45 to 80 years. DESIGN: 3-group randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Integrated health plan in western Washington from 2004 to 2007. PATIENTS: 1704 women age 45 to 80 years who used hormone therapy at their most recent screening (index) mammography, were due for screening (study) mammography, and were still using hormone therapy. INTERVENTION: Block random assignment (by breast density and hormone therapy type) to no hormone therapy suspension (n = 567) or suspension for 1 month (n = 570) or 2 months (n = 567) before study mammography. One blinded expert radiologist interpreted all mammograms. MEASUREMENTS: Recall was the primary outcome, and change in mammographic breast density (percentage and dense area) between the index and study mammograms was the secondary outcome. RESULTS: Mammography recall rates were 11.3% (61 of 542 women in the no-suspension group), 12.3% (50 of 478 women in the 1-month suspension group), and 9.8% (44 of 451 women in the 2-month suspension group). No subgroups were identified in which brief suspension of hormone therapy resulted in decreased mammography recall. With suspension, decreases in percentage of breast density were orderly and statistically significant: 0.1% (no-suspension group), -0.9% (1-month suspension group), and -1.5% (2-month suspension group). Similar ordered decreases were observed for dense area. Women in the suspension groups experienced increased menopause symptoms. Limitations: Results can only be generalized to women age 45 to 80 years who have used hormone therapy for at least 1 year and will consider short-term suspension; most eligible women (61%) declined participation. Mammography recall was determined by 1 expert radiologist. CONCLUSION: Brief hormone therapy suspension was associated with small changes in breast density and did not affect recall rates. No evidence supports short-term hormone therapy suspension before mammography.

 

 

Maturitas. 2009 May 30. [Epub ahead of print]

The role of testosterone in the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women.

Krapf JM, Simon JA.

The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Ave, NW #6A429, Washington, DC 20037, United States.

At least 16 million women over the age of 50 currently experience low sexual desire, with approximately 4 million women exhibiting hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Although early research established that testosterone therapy improves sexual desire in postmenopausal women, safer and more efficacious administration routes were explored. Large randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled studies demonstrate that transdermal testosterone improves sexual function and activity in postmenopausal women with HSDD. Large multi-center Phase III trials further confirm the positive effects of the testosterone patch in the treatment of HSDD. More recent studies are exploring the utility of testosterone gels. Based upon data from two recent clinical relevance studies, physicians can be reassured that postmenopausal women with HSDD report a meaningful benefit with testosterone therapy, and further, women will only continue therapy if they experience a meaningful benefit. Although most trials combined testosterone with estrogen/progesterone therapy, the recent APHRODITE trial examined testosterone alone, showing increased sexual desire with mild adverse events. Concerns regarding the long-term safety profile of transdermal testosterone must be addressed before the FDA will approve a testosterone product for women. Although some fear an increased risk of breast cancer with exogenous testosterone administration, recent studies support the idea that androgens can play a role in suppressing the proliferative effects of estrogen and progesterone. Long-term safety data is now being collected and analyzed and Phase III trials focusing on long-term risks are underway. In the meantime, transdermal testosterone appears to be a safe and effective therapy for postmenopausal women with HSDD [Swanson S, DeRogatis L, Snabes M, Simes S, Zborowski J. Treatment of HSDD in surgically menopausal women: a newly initiated Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study of the safety and efficacy of LibiGel.

 

 

 

Selección de Resúmenes de Menopausia

                                                      Semana del 10 al 16 de Junio de 2009

                                   Juan Enrique Blümel. Departamento Medicina Sur. Universidad de Chile

 

 

 

Osteoporos Int. 2009 Jun 11. [Epub ahead of print]

FRAX(R) assessment of osteoporotic fracture probability in Switzerland.

Lippuner K, Johansson H, Kanis JA, Rizzoli R.

Osteoporosis Policlinic, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

A Swiss-specific FRAX(R) model was developed. Patient profiles at increased probability of fracture beyond currently accepted reimbursement thresholds for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and osteoporosis treatment were identified. INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine which constellations of clinical risk factors, alone, or combined with BMD measurement by DXA, contribute to improved identification of Swiss patients with increased probability of fracture. METHODS: The 10-year probability of hip and any major osteoporotic fracture was computed for both sexes, based on Swiss epidemiological data, integrating fracture risk and death hazard, in relation to validated clinical risk factors, with and without BMD values. RESULTS: Fracture probability increased with age, lower body mass index (BMI), decreasing BMD T-score, and all clinical risk factors used alone or combined. Several constellations of risk factor profiles were identified, indicating identical or higher absolute fracture probability than risk factors currently accepted for DXA reimbursement in Switzerland. With identical sex, age and BMI, subjects with parental history of hip fracture had as high a probability of any major osteoporotic fracture as patients on oral glucocorticoids or with a prevalent fragility fracture. The presence of additional risk factors further increased fracture probability. CONCLUSIONS: The customised FRAX(R) model indicates that a shift from the current DXA-based intervention paradigm, toward a fracture risk continuum based on the 10-year probability of any major osteoporotic fracture may improve identification of patients at increased fracture risk.

 

 

Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jun 10. [Epub ahead of print]

Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipids.

Pan A, Yu D, Demark-Wahnefried W, Franco OH, Lin X.

BACKGROUND: Several clinical trials have investigated the effects of flaxseed and flaxseed-derived products (flaxseed oil or lignans) on blood lipids; however, the findings have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify and quantify the effectiveness of flaxseed and its derivatives on blood lipid profiles. DESIGN: A comprehensive literature search was performed on the basis of English reports of randomized controlled trials of flaxseed or its derivatives on lipid profiles in adults, which were published from January 1990 to October 2008. Attempts also were made to access unpublished data. Study quality was assessed by using the Jadad score, and a meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were included. Flaxseed interventions reduced total and LDL cholesterol by 0.10 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.20, 0.00 mmol/L) and 0.08 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.16, 0.00 mmol/L), respectively; significant reductions were observed with whole flaxseed (-0.21 and -0.16 mmol/L, respectively) and lignan (-0.28 and -0.16 mmol/L, respectively) supplements but not with flaxseed oil. The cholesterol-lowering effects were more apparent in females (particularly postmenopausal women), individuals with high initial cholesterol concentrations, and studies with higher Jadad scores. No significant changes were found in the concentrations of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: Flaxseed significantly reduced circulating total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, but the changes were dependent on the type of intervention, sex, and initial lipid profiles of the subjects. Further studies are needed to determine the efficiency of flaxseed on lipid profiles in men and premenopausal women and to explore its potential benefits on other cardiometabolic risk factors and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

 

 

Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2009 Jun 5:1-10. [Epub ahead of print]

Twenty or thirty microgram ethinyloestradiol in an oral contraceptive: Does it make a difference in the mind and the daily practice of gynaecologists and general practitioners?

Bitzer J, Frey B, von Schonau M, Sabler N, Tschudin S.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Women's Hospital Basel, Switzerland.

Objectives Currently, evidence-based guidelines concerning the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) containing either 20 or 30 mug ethinyloestradiol (EE) and the same progestogen, are lacking. We wanted to identify whether Swiss gynaecologists and general practitioners (GPs) have specific criteria on which they base their prescribing habit. Methods Two questionnaires were submitted to 158 physicians. The first one contained a list of possible criteria relevant for decision making and a description of specific clinical situations. The second one concerned actual patients who received either a 20 mug (Yasminelle(R)) or a 30 mug (Yasmin(R)) OC containing the same progestogen drospirenone. Results The most relevant criteria for decision making (in hierarchical order) were family history of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE), headache, smoking, age beyond 35, stability of the menstrual cycle, breast tenderness, body mass index, irregular bleeding and acne. The 20 mug dosage was preferred for women older than 35, those smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day, those with a family history of VTE, and those complaining of breast tenderness or headache. The 30 mug dosage was preferred for patients with a history of irregular bleeding, a family history of osteoporosis, expected poor compliance and acne. Conclusion Swiss gynaecologists and GPs do not preferentially prescribe the lowest possible dosage of EE. They use indirect markers they consider relevant for differential prescribing. For some markers, there is inconsistency, indicating that preferences for 20 mug and 30 mug preparations may be influenced by other factors.

 

 

Menopause. 2009 Jun 6. [Epub ahead of print]

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is related to indicators of overall physical fitness in healthy postmenopausal women.

Stewart JW, Alekel DL, Ritland LM, Van Loan M, Gertz E, Genschel U.

From the 1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; 2United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA; and 3Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

OBJECTIVE:: Inadequate vitamin D status is related to increased adiposity, risk of falls, and muscle weakness, particularly in older people. We hypothesized that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is related to physical fitness indices (androidal fat, whole body lean mass, balance, strength) in healthy postmenopausal women. METHODS:: Covariates for fitness indices included age or years since menopause, weight, 25(OH)D, energy expenditure, and calcium intake. Overall and regional (androidal fat mass = waist + hip fat) body composition was assessed (N = 242) via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS:: Regression analyses revealed that 71% of variability (P </= 0.0001) in androidal fat mass was accounted for by weight (53.0%, P </= 0.0001), white blood cell (WBC) count (2.0%, P </= 0.0001), supplemental calcium (1.7%, P = 0.0004), years since menopause (1.1%, P = 0.0034), 25(OH)D (1.0%, P = 0.0051), and vegetable servings (0.6%, P = 0.027); 64% of variability (P </= 0.0001) in lean mass was accounted for by weight (63.1.%, P </= 0.0001), WBC count (1.4%, P = 0.0038), and 25(OH)D (1.0%, P = 0.013); 12% of variability (P </= 0.0001) in balance (right + left leg) was accounted for by age (3.8%, P = 0.0019), 25(OH)D (2.0%, P = 0.025), and WBC count (1.8%, P = 0.032); 14% of variability (P </= 0.0001) in handgrip strength (right + left) was accounted for by weight (9.3%, P </= 0.0001), 25(OH)D (2.4%, P = 0.013), WBC count (2.1%, P = 0.019), and age (1.6%, P = 0.044); and 22% of variability (P </= 0.0001) in torso strength was accounted for by site (15.0%, P </= 0.0001) and weight (4.6%, P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS:: Serum 25(OH)D was the common contributor to physical fitness indices (androidal fat mass, lean mass, balance, handgrip strength) in healthy postmenopausal women.

 

 

Ann Pharmacother. 2009 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Assessing the Clinical Efficacy of Sildenafil for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction(July/August).

Brown DA, Kyle JA, Ferrill MJ.

Lloyd L Gregory School of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical data regarding the efficacy and safety of sildenafil for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search from 1950 to February 2009 was conducted using the key words sildenafil and female sexual dysfunction. Human studies and publication in English were used as primary limits. A combination of several publication-type limits was used to locate the clinical trials (eg, clinical trial, controlled clinical trial, randomized clinical trial). A bibliographic search was also performed of all located articles. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Clinical trials involving sildenafil treatment of premenopausal and postmenopausal women with FSD and women with FSD due to concomitant medications and/or disease states were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: An increasing number of clinical trials have been published regarding the treatment of FSD with sildenafil. Eight studies demonstrated a possible benefit from treatment for FSD in patients receiving sildenafil, regardless of dose, while 4 trials did not show any significant differences with treatment. It appears that sildenafil might be beneficial for women with FSD caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, spinal cord injury, and use of antidepressant medications. CONCLUSIONS: Although data suggest a possible role of sildenafil for the treatment of FSD, the information should be interpreted cautiously, as many of the studies included small sample sizes, used inappropriate statistical tests, and used nonvalidated assessment tools. A better FSD classification system and consistent use of validated assessment tools might help alleviate differences among clinical trials and provide a more cohesive foundation for assessing the safety and efficacy of sildenafil for the treatment of FSD.

 

 

Cancer Res. 2009 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Subcellular Localization of Cyclic AMP-Responsive Element Binding Protein-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 2 Provides a Link between Obesity and Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women.

Brown KA, McInnes KJ, Hunger NI, Oakhill JS, Steinberg GR, Simpson ER.

Prince Henry's Institute, Monash Medical Centre; Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and St. Vincent's Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.

Epidemiologic evidence supports a correlation between obesity and breast cancer in women. AMP-activated protein kinase plays an important role in energy homeostasis and inhibits the actions of cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein-regulated transcription coactivator 2 (CRTC2). In postmenopausal women, the cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein-dependent regulation of aromatase is a determinant of breast tumor formation through local production of estrogens. The present work aimed to examine the effect of adipokines on aromatase expression and identify additional mechanisms by which prostaglandin E2 causes increased aromatase expression in human breast adipose stromal cells. Treatment of human adipose stromal cells with forskolin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), to mimic prostaglandin E2, resulted in nuclear translocation of CRTC2. Aromatase promoter II (PII) activity assays showed that CRTC2 in addition to forskolin/PMA treatment significantly increased PII-induced activity. CRTC2 binding to PII was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation, and forskolin/PMA treatment was associated with increased binding to PII. Treatment of human adipose stromal cells with leptin significantly up-regulated aromatase expression associated with nuclear translocation of CRTC2 and increased binding of CRTC2 to PII. Adiponectin treatment significantly decreased forskolin/PMA-stimulated aromatase expression, consistent with the decreased nuclear translocation of CRTC2 and the decreased binding of CRTC2 to PII. The expression and activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase LKB1 was examined and found to be significantly decreased following either forskolin/PMA or leptin treatment. In contrast, adiponectin significantly increased LKB1 expression and activity. In conclusion, the regulation of aromatase by CRTC2, in response to the altered hormonal milieu associated with menopause and obesity, provides a critical link between obesity and breast cancer.

 

 

Menopause. 2009 Jun 3. [Epub ahead of print]

The effects of bazedoxifene on mammographic breast density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Harvey JA, Holm MK, Ranganath R, Guse PA, Trott EA, Helzner E.

From the 1Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; 2Innovis Health, Dakota Clinic, Ltd, Fargo, ND; and 3Wyeth Research, Collegeville, PA.

OBJECTIVE:: This study aimed to assess quantitative changes in mammographic breast density after 24 months of therapy with bazedoxifene compared with raloxifene or placebo in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. METHODS:: This was a retrospective, ancillary study of a subset of women enrolled in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled phase 3 trial evaluating bazedoxifene for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive bazedoxifene 20 or 40 mg, raloxifene 60 mg, or placebo once daily for 3 years. To be eligible for breast density evaluation, participants had to be 62 years or younger and completed 24 months of treatment, with mammograms at baseline and 24 months. Original mammogram pairs (left craniocaudal views) for each participant were digitized and analyzed by a radiologist. Breast density was measured using interactive thresholding to segment the mammogram, and percent density was determined using a validated software program. RESULTS:: Mammogram pairs were obtained from 444 participants. Baseline and demographic characteristics were similar among groups (mean age, 58.7 y). After 24 months, the mean percent changes in breast density from baseline were low (bazedoxifene 20 mg, -1.2%; bazedoxifene 40 mg, -0.4%; raloxifene 60 mg, -0.5%; placebo, -0.2%) and not significantly different among groups. CONCLUSIONS:: Treatment with bazedoxifene for 2 years did not affect age-related changes in breast density in this population of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The changes in breast density with bazedoxifene 20 or 40 mg were similar to those with raloxifene 60 mg or placebo.

 

 

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Jun 4. [Epub ahead of print]

Comparison between several insulin sensitivity indices and metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese postmenopausal women: A MONET study.

Malita FM, Messier V, Lavoie JM, Bastard JP, Rabasa-Lhoret R, Karelis AD.

Department of Nutrition, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare the relationship of several insulin sensitivity indices with cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese postmenopausal women. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 137 overweight and obese postmenopausal women (age: 57.7+/-4.8 yrs; body mass index: 32.4+/-4.6kg/m(2); body fat: 38.6+/-9.2kg). Insulin sensitivity was determined by the euglycaemic-hyperinsulinemic (EH) clamp technique as well as by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) derived indices (Stumvoll, Matsuda and SI(is)) and fasting surrogate indices (HOMA, QUICKI). Cardiometabolic risk factors included: body composition and visceral fat that were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography, respectively. Peak oxygen consumption, lower body muscle strength (using weight training equipment), physical activity energy expenditure (doubly labeled water), plasma lipids and C-reactive protein were also measured. Correlations of insulin sensitivity indices with metabolic risk factors showed some similarities, however, a wide range of variations were also observed. Furthermore, our results showed that visceral fat was the primary predictor for surrogate and OGTT indices, explaining 15-28% of the variance and the triglycerides/HDL-C ratio was the primary predictor for the EH clamp indices, explaining 15-17% of the variance. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the different methods of measuring and/or expressing insulin sensitivity display variations for associations with cardiometabolic risk factors. Therefore, interpretations of relationships between insulin sensitivity indices and cardiometabolic risk factors should take into account the method used to estimate and express insulin sensitivity.

 

 

 

Selección de Resúmenes de Menopausia

                                                      Semana del 17 al 23 de Junio de 2009

                                   Juan Enrique Blümel. Departamento Medicina Sur. Universidad de Chile

 

 

 

Horm Metab Res. 2009 Jun 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Efficacy and Safety of Denosumab in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and a Meta-analysis.

Anastasilakis AD, Toulis KA, Goulis DG, Polyzos SA, Delaroudis S, Giomisi A, Terpos E.

1Department of Endocrinology, 424 Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is a cytokine essential for osteoclast differentiation, activation, and survival. Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, constitutes a promising antiresorptive agent for osteoporosis. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and other trial registries through January 2009. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of denosumab in women with low bone mass that described the changes on bone markers and bone mineral density (BMD) as well as the adverse events including fracture risk. We analyzed data from nine RCTs involving 10 329 participants. Although denosumab universally decreased bone markers and increased lumbar and hip BMD, the efficacy evaluation based on percentage (%) mean change from the baseline was not possible due to missing data. Denosumab was not associated with a significant reduction in fracture risk [OR (95% CI) 0.74 (0.33 to 1.64), p=0.45]. Increased risk of serious adverse events [OR (95% CI) 1.83 (1.10 to 3.04), p=0.02] and serious infections [OR (95% CI) 4.45 (1.15 to 17.14), p=0.03] were evident. In conclusion, although effective as an antiresorptive agent, denosumab has not yet proved its efficacy on fracture risk reduction while increased infection risk questions its safety.

 

 

Semin Reprod Med. 2009 Jul;27(4):338-45. Epub 2009 Jun 15.

Autonomic regulation of blood pressure in menopause.

Vongpatanasin W.

Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension Division, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8586, USA. wanpen.vongpatanasin@utsouthwestern.edu

A large body of evidence indicates a major influence of sex hormones, particularly estrogen, on autonomic regulation of blood pressure (BP). The sympathetic nervous system is now widely recognized as a major regulator of BP homeostasis and contributor to pathogenesis of hypertension in humans. Menopause is accompanied by an accelerated age-related rise in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Mechanisms underlying sympathetic activation in menopause are unknown but may be related to impaired central modulation of baroreflex function or direct inhibitory influence of estrogen on SNA. Menopause is also accompanied by enhanced alpha-adrenergic peripheral vasoconstriction both at rest and during exercise. In ovariectomized rats, reduced nitric oxide release from the skeletal muscle caused by estrogen deficiency contributes to augmented sympathetic vasoconstriction during muscle contraction. The alteration in central autonomic regulation coupled with enhanced vascular adrenergic sensitivity may be responsible for elevation in resting BP and exaggerated pressor responses to exercise and mental stress in postmenopausal women.

 

 

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2009;646:31-9.

Developmental origins of osteoporosis: the role of maternal nutrition.

Cooper C, Harvey N, Cole Z, Hanson M, Dennison E.

MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre and Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Adult Disease, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, cc@mrc.soton.ac.uk.

Osteoporosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality through its association with age-related fractures. Although most effort in fracture prevention has been directed at retarding the rate of age-related bone loss, and reducing the frequency and severity of trauma among elderly people, evidence is growing that peak bone mass is an important contributor to bone strength during later life. The normal patterns of skeletal growth have been well characterised in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. It has been confirmed that boys have higher bone mineral content, but not volumetric bone density, than girls. Furthermore, there is a dissociation between the peak velocities for height gain and bone mineral accrual in both genders. Puberty is the period during which volumetric density appears to increase in both axial and appendicular sites. Many factors influence the accumulation of bone mineral during childhood and adolescence, including heredity, gender, diet, physical activity, endocrine status, and sporadic risk factors such as cigarette smoking. In addition to these modifiable factors during childhood, evidence has also accrued that fracture risk might be programmed during intrauterine life. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a relationship between birthweight, weight in infancy, and adult bone mass. This appears to be mediated through modulation of the set-point for basal activity of pituitary-dependent endocrine systems such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) axes. Maternal smoking, diet (particularly vitamin D deficiency) and physical activity also appear to modulate bone mineral acquisition during intrauterine life; furthermore, both low birth size and poor childhood growth, are directly linked to the later risk of hip fracture. The optimisation of maternal nutrition and intrauterine growth should also be included within preventive strategies against osteoporotic fracture, albeit for future generations.

 

 

Acta Cytol. 2009 May-Jun;53(3):277-82.

Value of cervical cytology in diagnosing endometrial carcinoma in women with postmenopausal bleeding.

van Doom HC, Opmeer BC, Kooi GS, Ewing-Graham PC, Kruitwagen RF, Mol BW.

Department of Gynecological Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, University of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. h.vandoorn@erasmusmc.nl

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of the cervical smear in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding, with an emphasis on the diagnostic relevance of normal endometrial cells. STUDY DESIGN: Women presenting with abnormal postmenopausal bleeding, not using hormone replacement therapy, were included prospectively. Cervical cytology was coded according to both the Papanicolaou (Pap) classification and the Dutch coding system (CISOE-A), which classifies endometrial and other cell types separately. For both classification systems, likelihood ratios (LR) for the presence of (pre) malignancy of the endometrium were calculated. RESULTS: We included 543 women with postmenopausal bleeding. A (pre) cancerous endometrial lesion was present in 64 women (11.7%). A Pap III increased the probability of (pre) malignancy (LR 3.5), whereas Pap IV and Pap V virtually proved the presence of carcinoma. The CISOE-A classification showed similar results. The presence of normal endometrial cells did not increase the probability of endometrial (pre) malignancy. CONCLUSION: Adding the results of the cervical smear to endometrial thickness could detect incidental endometrial cancers that are missed by transvaginal sonography (< 5 mm). In women with postmenopausal bleeding the presence of normal endometrial cells is not predictive of endometrial cancer.

 

 

Cancer. 2009 Jun 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Hormone replacement therapy and survival in lung cancer in postmenopausal women in a rural population.

Huang B, Carloss H, Wyatt SW, Riley E.

Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Control Program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

BACKGROUND:: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may play a role in the development of lung cancer and subsequent survival. Results from studies exploring these issues are inconsistent. A retrospective study in a rural population was conducted to determine whether a history of HRT use is associated with survival of postmenopausal women with lung cancer. METHODS:: A retrospective medical chart review of 648 postmenopausal women, diagnosed with a first primary lung cancer between1995 and 2005, was conducted in a regional hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. History of HRT use was collected. Log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to examine the effects of HRT on survival. RESULTS:: The median survival for women with a history of HRT use was 16.4 months, compared with 10.5 months for women without a history of HRT use. However, this difference in survival was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.44). Women with a history of HRT use were younger on average (64.3 years) at diagnosis than women without a history of HRT use (69.5 years, P < .01). Cigarette smoking was adversely associated with survival (P = .03), as were age (P < .01) and TNM stage (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS:: In contrast to previous studies, within this population, a history of HRT use in postmenopausal lung cancer patients was not associated with decreased survival. Because most of the published studies on this issue are retrospective, the discrepant findings reflect the complexity of the role of HRT use in the survival of lung cancer patients.

 

 

Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2009 Apr;5(2):169-75. Epub 2009 May 4.

Treatment of osteoporosis with annual iv zoledronic acid: effects on hip fracture.

Chapurlat RD.

INSERM U831, Université de Lyon, Division of Rheumatology, Hôpital E Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.

BACKGROUND: Several treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis have been available in the past decade, but adherence to these treatments has been judged inadequate. The prevention of hip fracture by these medications is still modest. METHODS: A literature search was performed for treatment with zoledronic acid for the prevention of hip fracture. RESULTS: In the The Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly (HORIZON) Pivotal Fracture Trial, involving 7765 postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density or with prevalent vertebral fracture, women taking zoledronic acid had a 41% relative risk reduction for hip fracture, at 3 years, compared to placebo. In the HORIZON Recurrent Fracture Trial, 2127 patients (76% were women) were randomized to receive either zoledronic acid or placebo after sustaining a first hip fracture. A reduction of 30% in the second hip fracture risk was observed, but it did not reach statistical significance. Zoledronic acid was generally safe in these trials, although a slightly increased rate of severe atrial fibrillations was observed in the HORIZON Prevention Fracture Trial, but not in the HORIZON Recurrent Fracture Trial. CONCLUSION: Yearly zoledronic acid reduces the risk of hip fracture, both in postmenopausal osteoporotic women with and without prevalent vertebral fracture and in men and women with a recent first hip fracture.

 

 

Curr Oncol. 2009 May;16(3):21-5

Hormone replacement therapy and outcomes for women with non-small-cell lung cancer: can an association be confirmed?

Ayeni O, Robinson A.

BACKGROUND: A recent report suggested that women who had been taking hormone replacement therapy (hrt) experienced significantly decreased survival after a lung cancer diagnosis. Given the large cohort of women who have received hrt, it is important to try to confirm that association. METHODS: We reviewed female patients diagnosed with lung cancer at our institution between January 1999 and December 2003 for age at diagnosis, disease stage, treatment, smoking history, hrt, performance status, weight loss, age at menopause, and overall survival. Patients were excluded if they had small-cell lung cancer or an unknown primary cancer, or if they had had previous or synchronous non-lung, non-skin cancers. Statistical analysis used the chi-square test for categorical variables and the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model for univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival. RESULTS: Of 397 eligible patients, most (68%) were stage iii or iv. The group included very few never-smokers (5%). The proportion of patients with experience of prior or current hrt was 29%, and no effect on overall survival was observed. Median survival was 13 months in the non-hrt group and 14 months in the hrt group. Significant factors predicting for overall survival included performance status, stage, and weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Stage, performance status, and weight loss are the most powerful predictors of survival for women with non-small-cell lung cancer. As compared with non-hrt users, patients with prior hrt use.