Adiposidad y perfil lipídico en mujeres posmenopáusicas venezolanas / Adiposity and lipid profile in venezuelan postmenopausal women / Adiposidade e perfil lipídico em mulheres pós-menopáusicas venezuelanas

Resumen Durante la menopausia se producen cambios metabólicos que favorecen la ganancia de peso y la obesidad abdominal, lo cual facilita el desarrollo de dislipidemias y aumenta el riesgo cardiovascular. El propósito del estudio fue comparar el perfil lipídico y los índices de riesgo cardiometabólico (IRCM) entre mujeres posmenopáusicas del Municipio Naguanagua, Estado Carabobo, Venezuela, clasificadas de acuerdo con su grado de adiposidad. El estudio fue de corte transversal, descriptivo, en el cual participaron 205 mujeres con una mediana de edad de 56 años. Se evaluaron indicadores de adiposidad: índice de masa corporal (IMC), porcentaje de grasa corporal (PGC), circunferencia de cintura (CC), e índice cintura/talla (ICT); así como el perfil lipídico y los IRCM. Se encontraron altos porcentajes de exceso de peso (80%), exceso de grasa corporal (92%), obesidad abdominal (61%) y riesgo metabólico de acuerdo con el ICT (69%). Las mujeres con obesidad mostraron los valores más bajos de cHDL, y aquellas con grasa muy alta, obesidad abdominal y riesgo metabólico de acuerdo con el ICT, los valores más elevados del índice TG/HDL. Se recomiendan otros estudios en este grupo poblacional para comprender mejor la asociación encontrada entre el grado de adiposidad y las alteraciones en el metabolismo de los lípidos con el fin de tomar acciones preventivas en estos trastornos relacionados con el síndrome metabólico.

Abstract During menopause, metabolic changes occur that promote weight gain and abdominal obesity, facilitating the development of dyslipidemias and increasing cardiovascular risk. The purpose of the study was to compare the lipid profile and the cardiometabolic risk indexes (IRCM) among postmenopausal women from the Naguanagua Municipality, Carabobo State, Venezuela, classified according to their degree of adiposity. It was a cross-sectional, descriptive study in which 205 women with a median age of 56 years participated. Adiposity indicators were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR); as well as the lipid profile and the IRCM. High percentages of excess weight (80%), excess body fat (92%), abdominal obesity (61%) and metabolic risk according to the WHtR (69%) were found. Women with obesity showed the lowest values of HDL-C, and those with very high fat, abdominal obesity, and metabolic risk according to the WHtR, the highest values of the TG/HDL index. Other studies are recommended on this population group to better understand the association found between the degree of adiposity and alterations in lipid metabolism to take preventive actions in these disorders related to the metabolic syndrome.

Resumo Durante a menopausa ocorrem alterações metabólicas que favorecem o ganho de peso e a obesidade abdominal, facilitando o desenvolvimento de dislipidemias e aumentando o risco cardiovascular. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o perfil lipídico e os índices de risco cardiometabólico (IRCM) entre mulheres na pós-menopausa do município de Naguanagua, estado de Carabobo, Venezuela, classificadas de acordo com seu grau de adiposidade. O estudo foi transversal, descritivo, do qual participaram 205 mulheres com mediana de idade de 56 anos. Foram avaliados os indicadores de adiposidade: índice de massa corporal (IMC), percentual de gordura corporal (PGC), circunferência da cintura (CC) e índice cintura/estatura (ICE); bem como o perfil lipídico e o IRCM. Foram encontrados altos percentuais de excesso de peso (80%), excesso de gordura corporal (92%), obesidade abdominal (61%) e risco metabólico segundo o ICE (69%). Mulheres com obesidade apresentaram os menores valores de cHDL, e aquelas com muito alto teor de gordura, obesidade abdominal e risco metabólico segundo o ICE, os maiores valores da relação TG/HDL. Outros estudos neste grupo populacional são recomendados para melhor entender a associação encontrada entre o grau de adiposidade e as alterações no metabolismo lipídico, a fim de tomar ações preventivas nesses distúrbios relacionados com a síndrome metabólica.

Técnica modificada de colporrafia anterior por ausencia de fascia prevesical: reporte de caso / Modified technique of anterior colporraphy due to absence of prevesical fascia: case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El prolapso de órganos pélvicos es frecuente en pacientes posmenopáusicas. El tratamiento definitivo, cuando el compartimiento anterior está afectado, es el quirúrgico (colporrafia anterior). Aquí se describen los desenlaces clínicos derivados de la aplicación de una técnica modificada de colporrafia anterior en una paciente con ausencia de fascia prevesical, con una estadificación POP-Q estadio II, con afectación en el compartimiento anterior. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 64 años, con antecedentes de una colporrafia anterior a los 56 años, prolapso de órgano pélvico con afectación del compartimiento anterior. En el examen ginecológico se evidenció la afectación del compartimiento anterior, específicamente en el nivel II conforme a la nueva clasificación POP-Q. Debido a los antecedentes quirúrgicos se optó por la colporrafia anterior, con punto de poliglactina 910 y colpopexia por vía vaginal, con puntos de polipropileno aplicados con un dispositivo de captura de sutura para reparación de tejido nativo. El desenlace quirúrgico fue satisfactorio. CONCLUSIÓN: En el contexto de la colporrafia es importante tener en cuenta las diferentes estrategias quirúrgicas, cada vez menos invasivas, con correcciones sitio-específicas que permitan reparar el defecto anatómico, desaparecer los síntomas, disminuir el riesgo y la probabilidad de recidivas.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse is common in postmenopausal women. The definitive treatment when the anterior compartment is involved is surgical (anterior colporrhaphy). Here we describe the clinical results obtained using a modified anterior colporrhaphy technique in a patient with absence of prevesical fascia, POP-Q stage II, with involvement of the anterior compartment. CLINICAL CASE: 64-year-old female patient with a history of a previous colporrhaphy at the age of 56, pelvic organ prolapse with involvement of the anterior compartment. Gynaecological examination revealed anterior compartment involvement, specifically level II according to the new POP-Q classification. Based on the surgical history, anterior colporrhaphy with polyglactin 910 suture and vaginal colpopexy with polypropylene sutures using a suture capture device for native tissue repair was chosen. Surgical outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: In the context of colporrhaphy, it is important to take into account the different surgical strategies, increasingly less invasive, with site-specific corrections that allow repair of the anatomical defect, disappearance of symptoms, reducing the risk and probability of recurrence.

Alterations in pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators are involved in microvascular dysfunction in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Evidence has shown that women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a greater risk of cardiovascular complications compared with men, but this sex difference is not clearly understood. This study assessed the microvascular function and circulatory biomarkers in postmenopausal women (PMW) with T2DM compared with diabetic men and their non-diabetic counterparts. Sixty participants were divided into nondiabetic PMW, PMW with T2DM, non-diabetic men, and diabetic men. Microvascular function was assessed using non-invasive equipment (EndoPAT®) and reported as reactive hyperemia index (RHI). Anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters were also measured. Two-way ANOVA was performed using sex (women or men) and T2DM (non-diabetic and diabetic) as the two factors. RHI impairment (1.97±0.14) was detected in diabetic PMW compared with women without T2DM (2.5±0.13) accompanied by lower adiponectin levels (T2DM: 9.3±1.2 and CTL: 13.8±1.8 ug/mL, P<0.05). An increase in the Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML), nitrate/nitrite, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were observed in diabetic PMW compared to the other groups. Although a poor glycemia control was seen in diabetic men, neither RHI nor circulatory biomarkers were affected by T2DM. Multiple linear regression stratified by sex and T2DM identified some variables with RHI only in PMW with T2DM: HbA1c (P=0.003), body mass index (P=0.029), CML (P=0.032), and CRP (P=0.006). Diabetic PMW were more susceptible to the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia than men, showing microvascular dysfunction with high levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (CML and CRP) and a lower adiponectin concentration.

Subacute effects of the number of Pilates exercise series on cardiovascular responses in hypertensive women

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the subacute effects of the number of Pilates exercise series (one and three) on the cardiovascular responses of medicated hypertensive women. Methods: Eight hypertensive and nine normotensive women underwent a Pilates session with low and high volume, and cardiovascular responses were measured. Aged sample of 50-65 years old underwent to anthropometrical measurements previously to the experimental procedures. The cardiovascular assessment was performed before and after every experimental session. The experimental procedures consisted of two familiarization sessions, load determination, and two experimental sessions (one or three series) for each group. Results: In the intragroup analysis, HR was found to be reduced in the normotensive group. In the hypertensive group, a reduction in the double product was observed after both Pilates sessions, and in the normotensive group only after the session with one series. The volume of exercises of the Pilates method did not interfere in the responses of systolic and diastolic BP after exercise. However, a more prominent area under the curve was seen in the systolic BP of hypertensive subjects who performed three series. Conclusion: The present study shows that performing one or three series of the Pilates exercise does not induce hypotension post-exercise and did not interfere in the cardiovascular responses of medicated hypertensive women.

Whole sequencing of the mitochondrial genome of breast cancer tissue in Mexican-mestizo postmenopausal women with different body mass index

Abstract Background Mitochondrial and oxidative stress has been related to obesity and breast cancer being this cancer more frequent and more aggressive in postmenopausal women with obesity. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether Mexican-Mestizo postmenopausal women with breast cancer and obesity present different somatic mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) when compared to women with normal body mass index (BMI). Subjects and Methods We included six Mexican-Mestizo postmenopausal women bearing breast cancer and who underwent mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. BMI was determined in each case. Patients’ genomic DNA was isolated from blood leukocytes and tumor tissue samples. Whole mtDNA sequence was determined by MitoChip v2.0 mitochondrial resequencing array, and data were analyzed using the GeneChip Sequence Analysis Software. Tumor mtDNA sequence was compared with matched leukocyte mtDNA sequence. Results Three women had a normal BMI and three presented obesity. Overall, we found 64 genetic variants: 53.1% were somatic mutations and 46.9% were polymorphisms; 44.1% were in the non-coding region and 55.9% were in genes that encode for mitochondrial proteins. Among the somatic mutations, 67.7% were in patients with normal BMI and 32.3% in patients with obesity. Conclusions We did not find a higher frequency of mitochondrial somatic mutations in postmenopausal women with breast cancer and obesity compared to those with normal BMI. However, results could be due to the small number of women studied.

Association of bone mineral density with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in postmenopausal women

Abstract Background Osteoporosis (OP) is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The relationship between OP and COPD has been primarily studied in male patients, and few reports are available in postmenopausal women. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and COPD in postmenopausal women. Methods This cross-sectional study included 133 clinically stable female ex-smokers with confirmed COPD, and 31 age-matched “ex-smoker” female controls. We analyzed groups according to their airway obstruction category. BMD was measured on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry images of the left femoral neck. Results Patients with COPD had lower T-scores and higher prevalence of osteopenia/OP than the control group. In the COPD group, the airway obstruction category was significantly associated with the T-score after adjustment for confounders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed COPD was an independent marker for increased risk of osteopenia/OP in postmenopausal women. Conclusions COPD and airway obstruction category were strongly related to BMD. Postmenopausal women with COPD, especially those with severe airway obstruction, had a higher prevalence rate and a higher risk of osteopenia and OP than female controls without COPD.

Efectos de las plataformas vibratorias en la salud ósea en mujeres posmenopáusicas / Effects of Vibratory Platforms on Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women

Estudios recientes han sugerido que los estímulos mecánicos (vibraciones) de alta frecuencia y baja magnitud pueden ejercer un efecto positivo sobre la morfología ósea y beneficiar su cantidad y calidad. La plataforma vibratoria es una máquina popular que se introdujo en la última década como una nueva promesa contra el tratamiento de la osteoporosis. Actualmente, en el mundo hay más de 200 millones de mujeres posmenopáusicas que sufren osteoporosis. Esta enfermedad es una de las más comunes y costosas de la salud pública. El ejercicio físico complementado con el tratamiento vibratorio puede que sea considerado como una estrategia efectiva para la prevención y tratamiento de la osteoporosis posmenopáusica. Esta revisión ofrece una visión general de cuestiones significativas relacionadas con la terapia con la plataforma vibratoria para la prevención y tratamiento de la osteoporosis en mujeres postmenopáusicas. El objetivo de esta revisión ha sido conocer los últimos avances de entrenamiento con plataformas vibratorias para la mejoría de la masa ósea en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Existe una gran discrepancia respecto al uso de estas como tratamiento osteoporósico, uso de diferentes tipos de plataformas, distintas frecuencias, amplitud, aceleración o duración del tratamiento. La escasa literatura estableció que la plataforma vibratoria Galileo es la que más se utiliza en dicha población, pero se necesitan más intervenciones para concretar los beneficios y daños de este tratamiento en mujeres postmenopáusicas(AU)

Recent studies have suggested that mechanical stimuli (vibrations) of high frequency and low magnitude can exert a positive effect on bone morphology and benefit quantity and quality. The vibrating platform is a popular machine introduced in the last decade as a new promise against the treatment of osteoporosis. Currently, there are more than 200 million postmenopausal women in the world suffering from osteoporosis. This disease is one of the most common and expensive in public health. Physical exercise supplemented with vibrational treatment may be considered an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This review offers an overview of significant issues related to therapy with the vibration platform for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The objective of this review is to know the latest advances in vibratory platforms training for the improvement of bone mass in postmenopausal women. There is a great discrepancy regarding the use of vibratory platforms as osteoporosis treatment, the use of different types of platforms, different frequencies, amplitude, acceleration or duration of treatment. The limited literature established that Galileo vibration platform is the most used in this population, but more interventions are needed to grasp the benefits and harms of this treatment in postmenopausal women(AU)

Protective effect of yerba mate intake on the cardiovascular system: a post hoc analysis study in postmenopausal women

The prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases is increased in postmenopausal women, which contributes to the burden of illnesses in this period of life. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a native bush from Southern South America. Its leaves are rich in phenolic components, which may have antioxidant, vasodilating, hypocholesterolemic, and hypoglycemic proprieties. This post hoc analysis of the case-control study nested in the Obesity and Bone Fracture Cohort evaluated the consumption of yerba mate and the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and coronary diseases in postmenopausal women. Ninety-five postmenopausal women were included in this analysis. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the risk factors and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and consumption of yerba mate infusion. Student's t-test and chi-square test were used to assess significant differences between groups. The group that consumed more than 1 L/day of mate infusion had significantly fewer diagnoses of coronary disease, dyslipidemia, and hypertension (P<0.049, P<0.048, and P<0.016, respectively). Furthermore, the serum levels of glucose were lower in the group with a higher consumption of yerba mate infusion (P<0.013). The serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were similar between the groups. This pragmatic study points out the benefits of yerba mate consumption for the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. The ingestion of more than 1 L/day of mate infusion was associated with fewer self-reported cardiovascular diseases and lower serum levels of glucose. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the association between yerba mate infusion and reduction of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.

Metástasis mamaria de linfoma de células del manto / Mammary metastasis of mantle cell lymphoma

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Los linfomas mamarios primarios constituyen menos de 1% de todos los linfomas no-Hodgkin, 1.7-2.2% de todos los linfomas no-Hodgkin nodales adicionales y 0.04-0.5% de todas las neoplasias malignas de la mama. El linfoma de células del manto representa 4% de los linfomas en Estados Unidos, y entre 7-9% en Europa y se diagnostica en pacientes con una mediana de edad de 60 años. Aparece en mujeres posmenopáusicas en forma de masa mamaria indolora, unilateral. El linfoma de mama secundario es sistémico, con afectación simultánea o posterior en otro sitio. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente con una tumoración mamaria, inicialmente postraumática, que en el contexto de plaquetopenia se catalogó clínica y radiológicamente como hematoma y que, más tarde, el diagnóstico fue: linfoma de células del manto secundario a linfoma previo nodal inguinal en segunda línea de tratamiento con quimioterapia. CONCLUSIONES: La persistencia o el rápido crecimiento de un hematoma mamario o de una lesión con apariencia radiológica benigna, sobre todo con antecedente de linfoma previo, puede resultar maligna. La biopsia mediante aguja gruesa es decisiva en el diagnóstico porque permite el estudio histológico e inmunohistoquímico para la confirmación molecular. El tratamiento se basa, sobre todo, en quimio y radioterapia, opciones que mejoran la supervivencia y disminuyen la recurrencia.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Primary mammary lymphomas represent less than 1% of all Non Hodgking Lymphomas (NHL). Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) represents 4% of lymphomas in the United States, and 7-9% in Europe and is diagnosed in patients with a median age of 60 years. Unilateral painless mammary mass in postmenopausal women use to be the clinical presentation. Secondary breast lymphoma is defined as the presence of systemic lymphoma with breast involvement, as the patient below. CLINICAL CASE: 57-year-old female patient with post-traumatic mammary tumor, with history of thrombocytopenia, first-time diagnosed of hematoma, with breast enlargement and later diagnosed as lymphoma of mantle cells with pathology test and classified as secondary to previous inguinal nodal lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to keep in mind this diagnosis in view of the persistence or rapid growth of a mammary hematoma or other lesion with benign radiological appearance. The biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, since it allows the histological and immunohistochemical study, for molecular confirmation. The treatment is mainly based on chemo / radiotherapy, which improves survival and decreases recurrence.

Vitamina D sérica y su relación con adiposidad y resistencia a la insulina en mujeres posmenopáusicas / Vitamin D in serum and its relationship with adiposity and insulin resistance in postmenopausal womens / Vitamina D sérica e sua relação con adiposidade e resistência a insulina em mujeres posmenopáusicas

La menopausia se asocia con un aumento del peso corporal y una redistribución de la grasa desde la región glúteo-femoral a la región abdominal. Recientemente se ha relacionado el exceso de peso y de tejido adiposo con hipovitaminosis D, que a su vez, se ha vinculado con la resistencia a la insulina. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los niveles de vitamina D sérica y establecer su relación con indicadores de adiposidad y resistencia a la insulina en mujeres posmenopáusicas normopeso, con sobrepeso u obesidad. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de tipo descriptivo-correlacional, de corte transversal y de campo. Participaron 84 mujeres con edad promedio de 56,29±5,64 años. Se midió el peso, la talla, la circunferencia de cintura (CC), la grasa corporal (GC), la glicemia en ayunas, la insulina basal, y la vitamina D sérica. Se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment). El 34,54% de las mujeres eran normopeso, mientras que el 33,33% y 32,14% respectivamente, presentaron sobrepeso u obesidad. Se encontró un 39,29% de insulino resistencia, con un índice HOMA promedio de 2,55; además, los valores de este índice se correlacionaron significativamente con el IMC (r=0,55; p<0,01), la CC (r=0,51; p<0,01), y el %GC (r=0,34; p<0,01). La concentración promedio de vitamina D fue 27,35±8,55 ng/mL, y no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las mujeres normopeso y aquellas con sobrepeso u obesidad. Un 25% de las mujeres presentó deficiencia de vitamina D, mientras que un 36,9% mostró valores insuficientes de la vitamina. No se encontraron asociaciones significativas entre las concentraciones séricas de la vitamina D y el IMC, la CC, el porcentaje de grasa corporal o el HOMA. De acuerdo con estos resultados, la hipovitaminosis D puede ser un problema común en mujeres posmenopáusicas venezolanas. No obstante, las concentraciones séricas de esta vitamina no mostraron relación significativa con la obesidad, ni con la resistencia a la insulina en la muestra evaluada.

Menopause is associated with an increase in body weight and fat redistribution from the gluteal-femoral region to the abdominal region. Recently, excess weight and adipose tissue have been linked to hypovitaminosis D, which in turn, has been linked to insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine serum vitamin D levels and establish their relationship with indicators of adiposity and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women of normal weight, overweight or obese. A descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional and field study was conducted. Eighty-four women with an average age of 56.29±5.64 years participated. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), body fat (BF), fasting glucose, basal insulin and vitamin D levels were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) were calculated. A total of 34.54% of the women were normal weight, while 33.33% and 32.14%, respectively, were overweight or obese. A 39.29% of insulin resistance was found, with an average rate of 2.55 HOMA; moreover the values of this index were significantly correlated with BMI (r=0.55; p <0.01), WC (r=0.51; p <0.01), and BF (r=0.34, p<0.01).The average concentration of vitamin D was 27.35±8.55 ng/mL, and no significant differences between normal weight women and those overweight or obese were found. A total of 25% of the women had vitamin D deficiency, while 36.9% had insufficient vitamin values. No significant associations between serum concentrations of vitamin D and BMI, WC, the percentage of body fat or HOMA were found. According to these results, vitamin D deficiency may be a common problem in Venezuelan postmenopausal women. However, serum concentrations of this vitamin showed no significant association with obesity or with insulin resistance in the sample evaluated.

A menopausa se associa ao aumento de peso corporal e uma redistribuição da gordura desde a região glúteo-femoral à região abdominal. Recentemente se relacionou o excesso de peso e de tecido adiposo com hipovitaminose D, que por sua vez, foi vinculado com a resistência à insulina. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os níveis de vitamina D sérica e estabelecer sua relação com indicadores de adiposidade e resistência à insulina, em mulheres pós-menopáusicas com peso normal, com sobrepeso ou obesidade. Foi realizado um estudo do tipo descritivo-correlacional, transversal e de campo. Participaram 84 mulheres comida de em médiade 56,29±5,64 anos. Mediu-se o peso, altura, circunferência da cintura (CC), gordura corporal (GC), glicemia em jejum, insulina basal e vitamina D sérica. Foi calculado o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e HOMA (Homeostasis model assessment). 34,54% das mulhereseram peso normal, enquanto que 33,33% e 32,14%, respectivamente, apresentaram sobrepeso ou obesidade. Encontrou-se 39,29% de insulino-resistência, com uma taxa HOMA média de 2,55; além disso, os valores deste índice foram significativamente correlacionados com o IMC (r 0,55; p<0,01), a CC (r=0,51; p<0,01), e a% de GC (r=0,34, p<0,01). A concentração média de vitamina D foi de 27,35±8,55 ng/mL, e não se encontraram diferenças significativas entre mulheres com peso normal e aquelas com sobrepeso ou obesidade. 25% das mulheres resultaram com deficiência de vitamina D, enquanto que 36,9% apresentaram valores insuficientes da vitamina. Não foram encontradas associações significativas entre as concentrações séricas de vitamina D e o IMC, a CC e apercentagem de gordura corporal ouo HOMA. Deacordo com estes resultados, a hipovitaminose D pode ser um problema comum em mulheres pós-menopausicas venezuelanas. Noentanto, as concentrações séricas desta vitamina não mostraram relação significativa com a obesidad enemcoma resistência à insulina na amostra.

Déficit de estrógeno e inmunidad, una aproximación sugerente a la mujer posmenopáusica / Shortage of estrogen and immunity, a suggestive approach to the postmenopausal woman

La reducción en la concentración de estrógenos producida durante la transición del estado reproductivo al estado posmenopáusico, como expresión del envejecimiento femenino, es responsable de las alteraciones metabólicas que se producen en diferentes sistemas, como el neurológico y el inmunológico, entre otros. La identificación oportuna de estas características clínicas constituye una necesidad para el tratamiento integral y personalizado de este grupo de mujeres, a nivel regional e internacional. Se verifica en la literatura científica la repercusión de la disminución de los niveles de estrógeno en el desempeño de los mecanismos inmunológicos de la mujer posmenopáusica. Para ello se realizó una revisión bibliográfica, a través del sitio web PubMed de la Biblioteca Médica Nacional de EUA, de las revistas especializadas más actualizadas y de libre acceso referentes al tema. Del total de 158 publicaciones encontradas, 42 fueron consultadas de manera íntegra y más del 50 por ciento de estas pertenecen a los últimos 5 años. Existen evidencias que reflejan la asociación existente entre la senectud ovárica y la inmunológica. La inmunosenescencia implica cambios en la inmunidad innata y la adquirida. Estas transformaciones han sido atribuidas a la deprivación estrogénica, ya que pueden ser reversibles con terapia hormonal sustitutiva. La contribución del déficit estrogénico al declive de la función inmunológica, no está bien dilucidada. Aún es insuficiente el nivel de conocimiento existente en este campo de las investigaciones biomédicas; el bajo índice de publicaciones científicas actualizadas así lo confirman. Escrutar con precisión los mecanismos patogénicos que desencadenan estos fenómenos permitiría un eficaz tratamiento integral, diagnóstico y terapéutico, de este grupo poblacional(AU)

Reduction in the estrogen concentration during the transition from the reproductive state to the postmenopausal condition, as an expression of female aging, accounts for the metabolic alterations occurring in different systems like the neurological and the immune ones among others. The timely detection of these clinical characteristics is a requirement for the comprehensive customized treatment of this group of women at regional and international levels. The impact of the decline in estrogen levels on the performance of the immune mechanisms of the postmenopausal woman was verified in the scientific literature. To this end, a literature review was made through the PubMed website of the National Medical Library of the United States to find the most updated open access specialized journals that dealt with the topic. Out of the 158 journals found, 42 were fully reviewed and over 50 percent of them were published in the last 5 years. There is some evidence that shows the association between ovarian senescence and the immune senescence. The immunosenescence means the changes occured in the innate immunity and the acquired immunity. These changes have been attributed to lack of estrogen because they may be reverted with the aid of an hormone replacement therapy. The estrogen shortage contribution to the decline in the immune function has not been yet solved. The level of knowledge in this field of biomedical research is still poor, which is confirmed by the low number of updated scientific publications. An accurate exploration of the pathogenic mechanisms triggering these phenomena would allow the comprehensive, effective diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of this population section(AU)

Serum testosterone does not affect bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between serum testosterone levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women.Materials and methods The study group was made up of postmenopausal women admitted to our tertiary center. Serum calcium, phosphorus, albumin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyrotropin (TSH), 25-OH vitamin D, and total testosterone concentrations were measured. Subjects were categorized into three groups regarding bone mineral density (BMD) values: normal (n = 22), osteopenia (n = 21), and osteoporosis (n = 21). Subjects were also categorized into three groups according to serum testosterone levels: low testosterone (n = 10), normal testosterone (n = 42), and high testosterone (n = 12).Results No significant difference was found for serum testosterone, TSH, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, PTH, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among patients with normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis (p > 0.05). Lumbar spine, total femur, femoral neck, trochanteric, intertrochanteric, and Ward’s triangle BMD values were similar for the different testosterone levels (p > 0.05).Conclusion There was no correlation between serum testosterone levels and patient age, body-mass index, or any measured BMD values. Given the findings in our study, which failed to demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between testosterone and BMD, adjustment of other risk factors for osteoporosis might have a more distinctive effect in this setting.

Digital vertebral morphometry performed by DXA: a valuable opportunity for identifying fractures during bone mass assessment

Objectives To evaluate the usefulness of vertebral morphometry in identifying unreferred vertebral fractures and correlate potential risk factors. Subjects and methods Female patients above 45 years, postmenopausal for at least 2 years, diagnosed with osteoporosis and undergoing treatment for at least three months were considered eligible. All of them underwent bone densitometry and vertebral morphometry performed by concomitant DXA. The presence of fractures was defined between T7 and L4; only moderate and severe fractures were considered for analysis. All volunteers were submitted to laboratory tests, anthropometry and responded a questionnaire on their lifestyle habits and medical history. Results Thirty two (17%) out of the 188 female patients presented with at least one vertebral fracture, among whom only 4 (12.5%) were previously aware of the fracture. The fractures were mainly located on the thoracic spine. Nine patients had severe fractures (28.1%), whereas 23 had moderate fractures (71.9%). On average, patients with fractures were 5 years older and weighed 5 kilograms less than those without fractures. The creatinine clearance was on average 9 mL/min less in patients with vertebral fracture. The assessment of vertebral fractures by morphometry is a fast, accurate and complementary method associated with low radiation exposure for identifying moderate and severe vertebral fractures. Predisposition to vertebral fractures does not depend solely on BMD. .

Estimación del riesgo cardiovascular y detección de ateromatosis carotídea subclínica en mujeres posmenopáusicas de mediana edad / Estimation of Cardiovascular Risk and Detection of Subclinical Carotid Atheromatosis in Middle-aged Postmenopausal Women

Introducción La incidencia de enfermedad cardiovascular en la mujer aumenta luego de la menopausia.Los puntajes de riesgo tradicionales subestiman el riesgo en la mujer posmenopáusica. El diagnóstico de placa aterosclerótica carotídea (PAC) podría mejorar la estratificación del riesgo. Objetivos 1) Estimar el riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres posmenopáusicas de mediana edad en prevención primaria. 2) Conocer la prevalencia de PAC. 3) Calcular la precisión de los puntajes de riesgo para detectar PAC. Material y métodos Se calcularon el puntaje de Framingham a 10 años (PF10) y el puntaje recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (POMS), evaluando la concordancia entre ellos. Se determinó la prevalencia de PAC mediante ultrasonido. Se realizó un análisis ROC. Resultados Se incluyeron 334 mujeres (edad 57 ± 5 años). El 96% y el 91% de la población se clasificó como de "riesgo bajo" según el PF10 y el POMS, respectivamente. La concordancia entre los dos puntajes fue regular (kappa 0,31). La prevalencia de PAC fue del 29%. Se observó una correspondencia entre el riesgo estimado por los puntajes y la prevalencia de PAC. Las mujeres con PAC presentaron una prevalencia mayor de hipertensión arterial y tabaquismo, mostrando más frecuentemente un patrón "metabólico" que las mujeres sin PAC. El área bajo la curva del PF10 para detectar PAC fue de 0,79 (IC 95% 0,73-0,84), siendo el punto de corte óptimo = 3%. Conclusiones En esta población clasificada en su mayoría como de riesgo bajo, la prevalencia de PAC fue considerable. Ante un PF10 = 3%, la solicitud de una ecografía carotídea podría optimizar la estratificación del riesgo cardiovascular.

Background Cardiovascular disease in women increases after menopause. Traditional risk scores underestimate the risk in postmeno-pausal women. The diagnosis of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) could improve risk stratification. Objectives The aim of the study was: 1) To estimate cardiovascular risk in middle-aged postmenopausal women in primary preven-tion. 2) To find CAP prevalence. 3) To assess the precision of risk scores used to detect CAP. Methods The level of agreement between the 10-year Framingham risk score (10-FRS) and the score recommended by the World Health Organization (WHOS) was assessed. Ultrasound was used to determine CAP occurrence. A ROC analysis was performed. Results The study included a total of 334 women with mean age 57 ± 5 years. According to 10-FRS and WHOS, 96% and 91% of the population were respectively classified as "low risk". An adequate level of agreement between both scores was found (kappa 0.31). CAP occurred in 29% of cases. Score estimated risk correlated with CAP prevalence. Women with CAP presented higher incidence of hypertension and smoking, evidencing a more frequent "metabolic" pattern than women without CAP. The area under the curve of 10-FRS to detect CAP was 0.79 (95% CI 0.73-0.84), with an optimal cut-off point = 3%. Conclusions In this population, mostly classified as low risk, there was considerable CAP prevalence. A carotid ultrasound might help to stratify cardiovascular risk when 10-FRS is = 3%.

Mujer posmenopáusica. ¿Fin de la vida sexual? / Post menopausal woman. End of sexual life?

Introducción: la etapa del climaterio y la menopausia ha sido motivo de menciones históricas, literarias y culturales, a pesar de que en muchas ocasiones es ignorada y hasta subestimada por las mujeres y por muchos profesionales. Objetivos: identificar los cambios en la respuesta sexual después de la menopausia. Material y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal a 223 mujeres posmenopáusicas, en el consultorio No. 6 del Policlínico «Federico Capdevila¼. En el período comprendido entre septiembre del 2008 y febrero del 2009 fueron seleccionadas las pacientes mediante la revisión de fichas familiares. Se escogieron como criterios de inclusión el consentimiento informado, ser residente del área, no tener trastornos cognitivos ni depresivos. Se aplicó una encuesta, la muestra estuvo constituida por 223 mujeres, de un universo de 263. Resultados: prevalecieron las mujeres posmenopáusicas con prácticas sexuales, en el subgrupo de 65 a 69 años, la edad promedio de la menopausia quedó entre los 50 y 54 años, y lo que más se modificó de la respuesta sexual fue la fase del deseo, siendo esta la principal causa de prácticas sexuales no satisfactorias. Conclusiones: se demuestra que en esta etapa de la vida, la mujer sigue teniendo deseos y relaciones sexuales satisfactorias, y que la solidez y la comunicación con su pareja son vitales para una relación feliz en este período final de la vida.

Introduction: climacteric and menopausal period has been historically, literally and culturally mentioned, and in other cases ignored and even underestimated by women and professionals. Objective: identifying changes in sexual response after menopause. Material and methods: a descriptive transversal cut study was performed on 223 postmenopausal women from Doctor's office 6 belonging to Federico Capdevila Polyclinic. Women were selected after revising their medical records in a period between September 2008 and February 2009. Inclusion criteria comprised informed consent, to live in the health area, and not to have cognitive or depressive disorders. A survey was done to a universe of 263 and only 223 constituted the sample. Results: postmenopausal women having sexual relations prevailed in the 65 to 69 year-old group; average age for menopause period was determined to be between 50 and 54 years old, and what changed the most in the sexual response was the desire phase, which is the main cause of the non satisfactory sexual practices. Conclusions: the results revealed that at this point women still want and have satisfactory sexual relations in which the communication with their partners and firmness of the relationship are vital to have a happy kinship in this final stage of life.

Adiposidad, estado pro-inflamatorio y resistencia a la insulina durante la menopausia

La obesidad se ha convertido en un verdadero problema de salud pública, debido a la alta prevalencia y a las complicaciones metabólicas asociadas. Existen evidencias epidemiológicas que muestran asociación entre la adiposidad y el estado pro-inflamatorio. Entre los grupos poblacionales más vulnerables en la edad adulta, se encuentran las mujeres posmenopáusicas. Durante la menopausia, se producen cambios metabólicos, que favorecen la ganancia de peso y la obesidad abdominal, facilitando el desarrollo de insulino resistencia y sus consecuencias clínicas como la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y enfermedades cardiovasculares. Existen numerosos estudios clínicos y experimentales, que soportan la teoría de que el riego de sufrir estas patologías, está fuertemente asociado al aumento de la actividad pro-inflamatoria, desempeñando los estrógenos un papel fundamental en dicho proceso. Los cambios que se producen en las adipocinas como la leptina, la adiponectina, el factor de necrosis tumoral alfa, la interleucina 6, y en la proteína C reactiva, condicionan de manera significativa el estado pro-inflamatorio en la obesidad. La evaluación de estos indicadores, junto con los de adiposidad y de resistencia a la insulina, pudiera ayudar a identificar el riesgo de experimentar enfermedades metabólicas en la posmenopausia temprana y la comprensión de los mecanismos puede suministrar nuevas alternativas en la profilaxis y en el tratamiento de estos trastornos.

Obesity has become a real public health problem because of its high prevalence and associated metabolic complications. There is epidemiological evidence showing association between adiposity and pro-inflammatory state. Among the most vulnerable population groups in adulthood, are postmenopausal women. During menopause, the metabolic changes that favor weight gain and abdominal obesity, facilitating the development of insulin resistance and its clinical consequences such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Numerous experimental and clinical studies that support the theory that the risk of developing these diseases are strongly associated with increased pro-inflammatory activity, and estrogens play a key role in this process. The changes that occur in adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, and C-reactive protein, influence significantly the pro-inflammatory state in obesity. The evaluation of these indicators, along with adiposity and insulin resistance, could help identify the risk for metabolic diseases in early postmenopausal and understanding of the mechanisms may provide new alternatives in the prophylaxis and treatment of these disorders.

A função hepática em mulheres menopausadas tratadas com extrato seco padronizado do rizoma e raízes de Cimicifuga racemosa L / The hepatic function in postmenopausal women treated with a standardized dry extract of the roots and rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa L

Objetivo: Avaliar a resposta hepática ao tratamento durante 12 meses com extrato seco padronizado de raízes e rizoma de Cimicifuga racemosa L. (Acteae racemosa L.) (CR) em mulheres menopausadas.Justificativa: O uso do CR é reconhecidamente seguro na literatura mundial, mas há referências de casos de hepatite em usuárias de CR.Método: Estudo duplo-cego, placebo-controlado, randomizado, prospectivo. Durante 12 meses consecutivos foram tratadas 64 mulheres menopausadas, divididas em dois grupos de 32, com 20mg de CR (Aplause®. Marjan) ou placebo, uma cápsula duas vezes ao dia, cada cápsula de CR contendo, no mínimo, 1mg de 27-deoxiacteína. A média etária cronológica do grupo CR foi 54,2 anos e a idade menopausal média 7,8 anos e do grupo placebo (P) 54 e 6,6 anos, respectivamente. O intervalo entre as consultas foi quatro meses, tendo sido realizadas as dosagens de transaminase glutâmico-oxalacética (TGO), transaminase glutâmico-pirúvica (TGP), gama-glutamil-transferase (GGT) e fosfatase alcalina (FAL) na consulta inicial e nas três consultas quadrimestrais do seguimento.Resultados: Não houve em ambos os grupos diferença estatística significativa entre os resultados de TGO (p=0,15), TGP (p=0,92), GGT (p=0, 92) e FAL (p=0,89) nas cinco consultas.Conclusão: O tratamento de 12 meses com CR não afetou a função hepática de uma população de mulheres menopausadas.

Effects of isoflavones on the skin of postmenopausal women: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of isoflavones on the skin of postmenopausal women. DESIGN: A prospective study was performed with 30 postmenopausal women before and immediately after the end of treatment with 100 mg/day of an isoflavones-rich, concentrated soy extract for six months. A skin punch was performed in the gluteal region for sample collection before and immediately after the treatment program. Morphometric determination of epidermal thickness, the papillary index (wrinkling), and the amount of dermal elastic and collagen fibers was assessed. In addition, the number of blood vessels in the sample was also evaluated. The paired Student¡¯s t-test was used for statistical analysis (P ¡Ü 0.05). RESULTS: Isoflavone treatment resulted in a 9.46% increase in the thickness of the epidermis in 23 patients. In addition, the papillary index was reduced in 21 women. The papillary index was inversely proportional to skin wrinkling, i.e., there were a large number of papillae after treatment. The amount of collagen in the dermis was increased in 25 women (86.2%). In 22 women (75.8%) we observed that the number of elastic fibers increased. The number of dermal blood vessels was significantly increased in 21 women.CONCLUSION: Our data show that the use of a concentrated, isoflavone-rich soy extract during six consecutive months caused significant increases in epithelial thickness, the number of elastic and collagen fibers, as well as the blood vessels.