Early decrease in lean mass and bone mass in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of menopause transition in body composition was evaluated in a cross-sectional study. METHOD: The study was carried out in an outpatient clinic of Brazil enrolling premenopausal (n = 64) and postmenopausal (n = 42) women aged between 44 and 52 years, with weight stability (±2 kg) for at least 6 months before evaluation. Participants answered a sociodemographic semi-structured questionnaire, the Menopause Rating Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 24-h dietary recall and a visual analogue scale of appetite. Blood biochemical, anthropometry and densitometry measurements were used for body composition estimation. RESULTS: Most participants were overweight (31.4%) or obese (45.7%) and categorized as 'high active' in physical activity (65.7%). Lean mass and bone mass decreased in the first few years of menopause. A metabolic turn to an increase of lipids was observed, represented by greater total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Menopause transition did not alter body fat distribution. Total body fat, android fat and gynoid fat were positively related to smoking habit, and android fat was also positively related to waist circumference. CONCLUSION: Taken together, early postmenopause can be considered a time window of opportunity for preventing ailments such as atherogenic profile, obesity, increased cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis.

The contribution of fucosyltransferases to cancer biology.

Fucosyltransferases are enzymes that transfer L-fucose residues from a donor substrate to target molecules. These enzymes are encoded by genes known as FUTs (FUT1 to FUT-11), along with POFUT1 and 2. Changes in FUT expression have a significant role in cancer development and malignancy. This review delves into the biochemistry and biological functions of FUTs and their contributions to cancer. Broadly, FUTs play roles in cancer tumorigenesis, survival, and metastasis. Interactions between fucosylated glycans and various molecules associated with cancer, such as E-selectins and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), offer alternative pathways for cancer development. The review also highlights FUTs as potential biomarkers for cancer prognosis and diagnosis, along with their application as targets for therapy.