Coffee, Tea, and Mammographic Breast Density in Premenopausal Women.

Studies have investigated the associations of coffee and tea with mammographic breast density (MBD) in premenopausal women with inconsistent results. We analyzed data from 375 premenopausal women who attended a screening mammogram at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO in 2016, and stratified the analyses by race (non-Hispanic White (NHW) vs. Black/African American). Participants self-reported the number of servings of coffee, caffeinated tea, and decaffeinated tea they consumed. Volpara software was used to determine volumetric percent density (VPD), dense volume (DV), and non-dense volume (NDV). We used generalized linear regression models to quantify the associations of coffee and tea intake with MBD measures. Coffee: ≥1 time/day (ß = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.93-1.21; p-trend = 0.61) and caffeinated tea: ≥1 time/day (ß = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.88-1.17; p-trend = 0.61) were not associated with VPD. Decaffeinated tea (≥1 time/week) was positively associated with VPD in NHW women (ß = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.06-1.39) but not in African American women (ß = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.73-1.17; p-interaction = 0.02). Coffee (≥1 time/day) was positively associated with DV in African American women (ß = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.11-2.07) but not in NHW women (ß = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.95-1.29; p-interaction = 0.02). Our findings do not support associations of coffee and caffeinated tea intake with VPD in premenopausal women. Positive associations of decaffeinated tea with VPD, with suggestions of effect modification by race, require confirmation in larger studies with diverse study populations.

Low Levels of Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Are Associated with Bone Metastasis Formation in Premenopausal Women with Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

In the present study, we investigated various biochemical, clinical, and histological factors associated with bone metastases in a large cohort of pre- and postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Two hundred and sixty-one consecutive women with breast cancer were included in this study. Breast adipose tissue specimens were collected during surgery. After having established the fatty acid profile of breast adipose tissue by gas chromatography, we determined whether there were differences associated with the occurrence of bone metastases in these patients. Regarding the clinical and histological criteria, a majority of the patients with bone metastases (around 70%) had tumors with a luminal phenotype and 59% of them showed axillary lymph node involvement. Moreover, we found a negative association between the levels of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in breast adipose tissue and the development of bone metastases in premenopausal women. No significant association was observed in postmenopausal women. In addition to a luminal phenotype and axillary lymph node involvement, low levels of n-3 LC-PUFA in breast adipose tissue may constitute a risk factor that contributes to breast cancer bone metastases formation in premenopausal women.

Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia: Implications and Impact in Pregnancy, Fetal Development, and Early Childhood Parameters.

A normal pregnancy consumes 500-800 mg of iron from the mother. Premenopausal women have a high incidence of marginal iron stores or iron deficiency (ID), with or without anemia, particularly in the less developed world. Although pregnancy is associated with a "physiologic" anemia largely related to maternal volume expansion; it is paradoxically associated with an increase in erythrocyte production and erythrocyte mass/kg. ID is a limiting factor for this erythrocyte mass expansion and can contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review summarizes erythrocyte and iron balance observed in pregnancy; its implications and impact on mother and child; and provides an overview of approaches to the recognition of ID in pregnancy and its management, including clinically relevant questions for further investigation.

Novel effects of phytoestrogenic soy isoflavones on serum calcium and chloride in premenopausal women: A 2-year double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Soy phytoestrogens are potential alternatives to postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Adverse effects of HRT such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and pulmonary embolism are mediated by calcium-induced signaling. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether soy isoflavones affect serum calcium in healthy female subjects. DESIGN: In a double-blind trial, 197 premenopausal women were randomly assigned to either isoflavone (N = 99) or placebo pills (N = 98) 5 days per week for up to 2 years, plus prenatal vitamins. Isoflavone pills contained 60 mg genistein, 60 mg daidzein and 16.6 mg glycitein (expressed as aglycone equivalents). All pills contained 15 mg riboflavin as an adherence marker. Blood chemistries and urinary daidzein, genistein and riboflavin were measured multiple times during the luteal phase before and during treatment. RESULTS: Analysis of the adherent population (N = 83 per group), revealed significantly strong associations between urinary levels of isoflavones and serum concentrations of calcium (regression coefficients 0.082 for daidzein and 0.229 for genistein, all P < 0.01) and chloride (regression coefficient, -1.537 for genistein, P < 0.0001), mediated in part by albumin. The effects amounted to mean changes of +0.24 mg/dL for calcium and -1.45 mEq/L for chloride, with each visit for subjects excreting the most vs. the least amounts of isoflavones. These associations were not evident in the intention-to-treat analysis (N = 197) that did not assess expected variations in isoflavone levels within and between subjects from metabolism and adherence. CONCLUSIONS: These novel and strong effects of soy isoflavones on calcium homeostasis have important implications for long term effects of these natural substances on cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Calcium Derived from Lithothamnion sp. on Markers of Calcium Metabolism in Premenopausal Women.

A double-blind crossover pilot trial tested the hypothesis that botanically derived calcium could demonstrate greater influence over calcium metabolism markers compared with a nonplant-derived calcium carbonate supplement or placebo. Twelve fasting female subjects received a single oral dose of Aquamin F™ (derived from the marine algal Lithothamnion sp.), or calcium carbonate, or placebo. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and over 12 h to evaluate ionized and total calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Subjects treated with Aquamin F demonstrated significantly greater urinary clearance of calcium after 12 h compared with placebo (P = .004). Following a meal at 90 min, subjects treated with Aquamin F demonstrated a more prolonged suppression of serum PTH concentration (significantly lower than placebo at 90, 120, and 240 min). Calcium carbonate provided an intermediate response; urinary clearance was not significantly different from placebo treatment and PTH was only significantly lower than placebo at 90 min. Aquamin F may demonstrate greater influence over these markers of calcium metabolism than calcium carbonate or placebo, as suggested by a greater calciuric response and a more prolonged suppression of serum PTH concentrations following a meal in premenopausal women.

Uncertainty on the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban in premenopausal women with atrial fibrillation: empirical evidence needed.

BACKGROUND: Novel anticoagulations (NOACs) are increasingly prescribed for the prevention of stroke in premenopausal women with atrial fibrillation. Small studies suggest NOACs are associated with a higher risk of abnormal uterine bleeds than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Because there is no direct empirical evidence on the benefit/risk profile of rivaroxaban compared to VKAs in this subgroup, we synthesize available indirect evidence, estimate decision uncertainty on the treatments, and assess whether further research in premenopausal women is warranted. METHODS: A Markov model with annual cycles and a lifetime horizon was developed comparing rivaroxaban (the most frequently prescribed NOAC in this population) and VKAs. Clinical event rates, associated quality adjusted life years, and health care costs were obtained from different sources and adjusted for gender, age, and history of stroke. A Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations was then performed for a hypothetical cohort of premenopausal women, estimated to be reflective of the population of premenopausal women with AF in The Netherlands. RESULTS: In the simulation, rivaroxaban is the better treatment option for the prevention of ischemic strokes in premenopausal women in 61% of the iterations. Similarly, this is 98% for intracranial hemorrhages, 24% for major abnormal uterine bleeds, 1% for minor abnormal uterine bleeds, 9% for other major extracranial hemorrhages, and 23% for other minor extracranial hemorrhages. There is a 78% chance that rivaroxaban offers the most quality-adjusted life years. The expected value of perfect information in The Netherlands equals 122 quality-adjusted life years and 22 million Euros. CONCLUSIONS: There is a 22% risk that rivaroxaban offers a worse rather than a better benefit/risk profile than vitamin K antagonists in premenopausal women. Although rivaroxaban is preferred over VKAs in this population, further research is warranted, and should preferably take the shape of an internationally coordinated registry study including other NOACs.

Dried Plum Ingestion Increases the Osteoblastogenic Capacity of Human Serum.

In cell culture studies, dried plum (Prunus domestica L.) polyphenols increased osteoblast alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralized nodule formation, and the expression of the bone marker genes runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osterix. The purpose of this study was to determine whether human serum collected 1 and 2 h after dried plum ingestion influenced osteoblast cell activity and gene expression. Five healthy women ingested 100 g of dried plum, and serum samples were collected at baseline (before dried plum ingestion) and 1 and 2 h postingestion of dried plum. MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells were treated (2% of medium) with these serum samples for 3 or 9 days. Intracellular and extracellular ALP activities were significantly increased after 3 or 9 days of treatment with serum both postingestion time points, with no effect seen in baseline samples. Also, serum obtained 1 and 2 h postingestion significantly increased the mRNA expression of bone markers RUNX2 and connexin43 (CX43) after both 3 and 9 days of incubation periods. Finally, serum obtained 1 and 2 h postingestion increased the mRNA expression of ß-catenin after 9 days of incubation. We conclude that osteoblast activity and function are increased by dried plum ingestion, which may, in part, explain its beneficial effects on bone health.

Micronutrient supplementation in gastric bypass surgery: prospective study on inflammation and iron metabolism in premenopausal women / Suplementación con micronutrientes en pacientes con cirugía de bypass gástrico: estudio prospectivo sobre la inflamación y el metabolismo del hierro en mujeres premenopáusicas

Background: Low-grade chronic inflammation in morbid obesity is associated with impaired iron metabolism. Bariatric surgery is effective in weight loss; however, it can induce specific nutritional deficiencies, such as iron, especially in premenopausal women. Alternatively, after surgery, there is an improvement in systemic inflammation, raising questions concerning the dosages of micronutrient supplementation. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of two micronutrient supplementation schemes before and 6 months after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on inflammation and iron metabolism in premenopausal women. Methods: This prospective study included 45 premenopausal women (aged 20-45 years; body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m2) divided into two supplementation schemes: group 1 (n = 34): daily supplemental dose of 1 RDA 30 days before surgery and 2 RDAs during the six months following surgery; and group 2 (n = 11): daily supplementation of 1 RDA during the 6 months postsurgery. Anthropometry, dietary intake, inflammation, and iron metabolism were monitored. Results: Evident reductions in BMI, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and ferritin levels for both groups occurred 6 months after surgery. Additionally, anemia was 9% in both groups after surgery. However, group 1 exhibited an increased transferrin saturation index and reduced transferrin levels. Multivariate regression analysis suggested serum iron, hepcidin, and iron intake determined ferritin values before and after RYGB surgery. Conclusion: Six months after RYGB, systemic inflammation was reduced in both supplementation schemes. However, supplementation of 1 RDA before and 2 RDAs after surgery resulted in better improvements on iron metabolism (AU)

Introducción: la inflamación crónica de bajo grado en la obesidad mórbida se asocia con una alteración del metabolismo del hierro. La cirugía bariátrica es eficaz en la pérdida de peso, sin embargo, puede inducir deficiencias específicas nutricionales, como es el caso del hierro, especialmente en las mujeres premenopáusicas. Por otra parte, después de la cirugía, hay una mejora en la inflamación sistémica, planteando el tema de las dosis de suplementos de micronutrientes. Objetivos: este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de dos esquemas de suplementación de micronutrientes antes y 6 meses después de una cirugía de by-pass gástrico con Y de Roux (RYGB) sobre la inflamación y el metabolismo del hierro en las mujeres premenopáusicas. Métodos: estudio prospectivo que incluyó 45 mujeres premenopáusicas (edades 20-40 años, índice de masa corporal [IMC] ≥ 35 kg/m2) divididos en dos esquemas de suplementación: grupo 1 (n = 34): dosis suplementaria diaria de 1 vez las RDA 30 días antes de la cirugía y 2 veces las RDA durante los seis meses posteriores a la cirugía; y el grupo 2 (n = 11): la suplementación diaria de 1RDA durante los 6 meses después de la cirugía. Se monitorizaron las medidas antropométricas, la ingesta alimentaria, la inflamación y el metabolismo del hierro. Resultados: se observó una disminución en el IMC, la proteína C reactiva de alta sensibilidad y los niveles de ferritina en ambos grupos después de 6 meses tras la cirugía. Además, la anemia fue del 9% en ambos grupos tras de la cirugía. Sin embargo, el grupo 1 exhibió un incremento del índice de saturación de transferrina y una reducción en los niveles de transferrina. En el análisis multivariante se apreció que los niveles de hierro sérico, hepcidina y la ingesta de hierro determinaron los valores de ferritina antes y después de la cirugía. Conclusión: seis meses después de RYGB, la inflamación sistémica se redujo en ambos esquemas de suplementación. Sin embargo, la suplementación de 1 vez las RDA antes y 2 veces las RDA después de la cirugía consiguió mejorar el metabolismo del hierro (AU)

Evaluation of Antioxidant Intakes in Relation to Inflammatory Markers Expression Within the Normal Breast Tissue of Breast Cancer Patients.

Chronic inflammation may be a causative factor in breast cancer. One possible underlying mechanism is the generation of oxidative stress, which may favor tumorigenic processes. Antioxidant consumption may, therefore, help reduce tissue inflammation levels. However, few studies have explored this relation in breast tissue. We aimed to evaluate correlations between antioxidant (vitamin A/retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, ß-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, lutein/zeaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin, selenium, and zinc) intakes and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, cyclooxygenase-2, leptin, serum amyloid A1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, IL-8, IL-10, lactoferrin, and transforming growth factor-ß measured in the normal breast tissue of 160 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Antioxidant intakes were collected using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Inflammation marker expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between antioxidant intakes and inflammatory marker expression were evaluated using Spearman's partial correlation coefficients ( r) for all women and for premenopausal and postmenopausal women separately. After Bonferroni correction, negative correlations were observed between dietary ß-tocopherol and IL-10 expression in all women combined ( r = -0.26, P = .003) and among postmenopausal women ( r = -0.39, P = .003). For all women, a negative correlation was found between total zinc intakes and IL-10 ( r = -0.26, P = .002). Among postmenopausal women, dietary selenium intake was negatively correlated with the expression of lactoferrin ( r = -0.39, P = .003). No associations were observed in premenopausal women. Our findings suggest that consumption of specific antioxidants, including ß-tocopherol, zinc, and selenium, may act on the breast tissue through mechanisms affecting the expression of some inflammation markers, particularly among postmenopausal women.

Adipokines and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Normal Human Breast Tissue in Vivo - Correlations and Attenuation by Dietary Flaxseed.

Exposure to sex steroids increases the risk of breast cancer but the exact mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. Events in the microenvironment are important for carcinogenesis. Diet containing phytoestrogens can affect the breast microenvironment and alter the risk of breast cancer. It has previously been shown that estrogen regulates extracellular levels of leptin, adiponectin, and VEGF in normal breast tissue in vivo. Whether these proteins correlate in breast tissue in vivo or if diet addition of flaxseed, a major source of phytoestrogens in Western diets, alters adipokine levels in breast tissue are unknown. We used microdialysis to sample proteins of normal human breast tissue and abdominal subcutaneous fat in situ in 34 pre-and postmenopausal women. In vitro, co-culture of breast cancer cells and primary human adipocytes was used. In vivo, in normal breast tissue, a significant positive correlation between VEGF and leptin was detected. No correlations were found in fat tissue. Co-culture of adipocytes and breast cancer cells per se increased the secretion of VEGF and leptin and enhanced the effects of estradiol compared to culture of either cell type alone. In vitro, inhibition of VEGF diminished the release of leptin while inhibition of leptin had no influence on VEGF secretion. The levels of leptin decreased and adiponectin increased after a dietary addition of 25 g of flaxseed/day for one menstrual cycle. We conclude that VEGF and leptin correlate significantly in normal human breast tissue in vivo and that dietary addition of flaxseed affect adipokine levels in the breast.

Efficacy and safety of Labisia pumila var alata water extract among pre- and postmenopausal women.

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Labisia pumila var alata (L. pumila) water extract for improving quality of life, cardiovascular and hormonal balance. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, 16-week study in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women aged 40-60 years was conducted in Kelantan, Malaysia. The subjects were randomized to 400 mg propriety extract of L. pumila or placebo. A Women's Health Questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data. A total of 197 subjects (L. pumila: n=102 and placebo: n=95) were analyzed. Subjects in the herbal group showed improved memory/concentration, vasomotor symptoms, menstrual symptoms, and sleep problems by 8.3%, 15.9%, 11.8%, and 31.0%, respectively. The greatest improvement was observed for the question: "I get frightened or panic feelings for apparently no reason at all" with a 53% decrease as compared with placebo. Improvements were also seen in the cardiovascular parameters, and the safety profiles were normal. Postmenopausal women supplemented with L. pumila showed no changes in gynecological relevant hormones luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and 17ß-Estradiol. Water extract of L. pumila was shown to be safe and effective for improving several parameters of quality of life and cardiovascular risks factors (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]).

Polymorphisms in genes involved in the metabolism and transport of soy isoflavones affect the urinary metabolite profile in premenopausal women following consumption of a commercial soy supplement as a single bolus dose.

SCOPE: Genetic variation in relevant enzymes and transporters may contribute to discordant observations concerning health outcomes of dietary isoflavone consumption, so we examined the association of the UGT1A1*28 promoter polymorphism and of other SNPs with isoflavone metabolites in urine. METHODS AND RESULTS: We genotyped prospectively for polymorphisms in UGT1A1 (UGT1A1*28), LPH (666G>A), CBG (1368T>A), ABCG2 (421C>A), and ABCC2 (1249G>A) to select 100 women (18-50 years) to receive a commercial soy supplement as a single dose and collect all urine over 24 h for analysis by RP-HPLC. We observed large differences in isoflavone recovery (mean 39%, eightfold variation) and metabolites. Glucuronides were the major metabolites (72% of total). UGT1A1*28 was associated only with percentage of glycitein as sulphate (positive; p = 0.046), but excluding five participants with both minor alleles of CBG and ABCG2 uncovered additional associations with percentage of glycitein as glucuronide (negative; p = 0.028), combined isoflavones as sulphate (positive; p = 0.035) and sulphate-to-glucuronide ratio for combined isoflavones (positive; p = 0.036). CBG1368T>A, ABCG2 421C>A, and ABCC2 1249G>A were also associated with differences in isoflavone metabolites in urine. CONCLUSION: Genetic variation in UGT1A1, CBG, ABCG2, and ABCC2 influences isoflavone metabolism so may affect benefits of dietary consumption.

Assessment of biochemical profiles in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to assess biochemical profiles in premenopausal and postmenopausal women having breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital based case control study was carried out at Manipal Teaching Hospital (MTH), Pokhara, Nepal. The analysed variables were age, metabolic profile including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, blood sugar, insulin concentration, C-peptide, HbA1c and selenium. Descriptive statistics and testing of hypothesis were used for the analysis using EPI INFO and SPSS 16 software. RESULTS: In premenopausal women, significant differences were noted for total cholesterol (P value <0.001), triglycerides (P value 0.002), HbA1c level (P value <0.001), insulin concentration (P value 0.030), C-peptide concentration (P value 0.001), and selenium (P value <0.001) between cases and controls. Insignificant results were found for HDL-C (P value 0.749), LDL-C (P value 0.933), blood sugar (P value 0.59) and BMI (P value 0.746). Similarly, significant difference in total cholesterol (P value <0.001), triglycerides (P value 0.001), LDL-C (P value <0.001), HDL-C (P value 0.025), blood sugar (P value <0.001), insulin concentration (P value <0.001), c-peptide concentration (P value <0.001), HbA1c level (P value <0.001) and selenium (P value <0.001) were observed for postmenopausal patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing metabolic changes and their management may be important for control of breast cancer and increased survival.

Daidzein-metabolizing phenotypes in relation to bone density and body composition among premenopausal women in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Bone density has been suggested as a marker of cumulative hormone exposure. Small studies also suggest that patterns of daidzein metabolism may be related to hormone concentrations. To our knowledge, no studies in premenopausal women have compared bone density by daidzein-metabolizing phenotypes in the absence of a soy intervention. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the relationship between daidzein-metabolizing phenotypes [equol and O-desmethylangolensin (ODMA) production] and bone density and body composition in premenopausal women in the United States. MATERIALS/METHODS: Two hundred and three women attended a clinic visit during which their bone density and body composition were measured by DXA, and 200 (99 %) provided a urine sample following a 3-day soy challenge. Samples were analyzed for isoflavones to determine daidzein-metabolizing phenotypes. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses, there were no differences in hip, spine, femoral neck, or head bone mineral density (BMD) or body composition between producers and non-producers of either equol or ODMA (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: In this population of low-soy consuming premenopausal women, there were no associations between daidzein-metabolizing phenotypes and hip, spine, femoral neck, or head BMD or body composition, suggesting that these phenotypes per se do not influence premenopausal bone density or body composition.

Salivary bone turnover markers in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women: daily and seasonal rhythm.

No studies had investigated circadian and circannual rhythms of bone biomarkers in whole saliva. We evaluated the salivary daily and seasonal rhythm of carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP). Forty clinical and oral healthy ambulatory pre- and postmenopausal women from two southern Argentine cities: Comodoro Rivadavia (latitude 45º S) and Ushuaia (latitude 54º S) were included in the study. CTX levels were evaluated in serum, urine, and saliva, and b-ALP levels were measured in serum and saliva. In both groups of women, salivary CTX showed a maximum percentage of change early in the morning (80%) and a minimum in the late afternoon (45%), similarly to the pattern observed in urinary samples. No daily rhythm was observed in serum or salivary b-ALP. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels decreased in winter vs. summer (p < 0.01) without differences between the two studied groups. Conversely, parathormone reached higher levels in winter (p < 0.05) which induced a slight non-significant increment in salivary CTX and b-ALP levels. The results showed that, as in serum and urinary samples, salivary CTX exhibits daily and a slight seasonal rhythmicity. Whole non-stimulated saliva is a useful tool to detect several oral and systemic diseases because it has important advantages compared to serum and urinary samples. Then, it may also be a promising sample to test changes in bone metabolism contributing to diagnose and to monitor the therapy of several metabolic bone diseases.

Dietary intakes and antioxidant status in mind-body exercising pre- and postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The decline in antioxidant defenses due to both estrogen loss and frequent adoption of poor dietary choices exposes postmenopausal women to cardiovascular diseases. Adequate nutrition and physical exercise are two factors of health promotion. This study investigated whether regular practice of mind-body exercise (yoga and/or tai chi) alters dietary intake and antioxidant status and balances the menopause-related increases in lipid peroxidation and cardiovascular risk. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study was conducted in an urban community in Bangkok (Thailand) between May and August 2007. PARTICIPANTS: Premenopausal (Pre M; 39±8 yrs; n=56) and postmenopausal (Post M; 54±5 yrs; n=39) women who had been practicing yoga (Y) and/or tai chi (TC) more than 3 hours/week for a year, or who had no regular physical activity practice (sedentary, S). MEASUREMENTS: All participants completed food frequency questionnaires and 4-day food and activity records. Blood was collected on day 5. Factorial ANOVA tests were performed according to menopause status, exercise, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) groups. RESULTS: Post M had higher (p = 0.01) dietary fiber intake compared with Pre M. Yoga practitioners had lower BMI (p = 0.004) and lower fat intake (p = 0.02) compared with their S and TC counterparts. Plasma total antioxidant status was significantly and independently lower and higher in Y and Post M groups, respectively. However, no difference was shown after adjusting for BMI. Regardless of menopause status and HRT, the activity of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase - an aerobic training-responsive enzyme - was higher (p < 0.001) in TC practitioners compared with other groups. No effects were shown on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, plasma lipid peroxidation (TBARS) or total homocysteine concentrations. CONCLUSION: Yoga and tai chi exercises can be used as components of a strategy to promote healthy lifestyles (balanced diet and moderate intensity exercise) in vulnerable populations, such as menopausal women, in order to prevent aging induced oxidative stress-related diseases.

Serum calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and lipid profile in healthy Iranian premenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that alteration in calcium, phosphorous or magnesium metabolism may have direct cardiovascular consequences. However, it is unknown whether variations in serum values of these minerals are in relationship with lipid profile and adiposity as metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular events in premenopausal women independent of confounders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum calcium, magnesium and phosphorous with lipid profile in healthy premenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 82 reproductive age women aged 17-50 who were randomly selected from general population of Tabriz, Iran. They were assigned into obese and none-obese groups. Weight and height for BMI calculation were measured using a calibrated Seca scale and cotton ruler which was attached to the wall. Body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Serum magnesium, calcium and phosphorous were measured colorimetrically; fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum lipids were assessed by enzymatic methods. RESULTS: Obese woman had significantly lower serum magnesium (P = 0.035) and significantly higher fasting blood glucose (P = 0.028), total cholesterol (P = 0.035), triglyceride (P = 0.019), low density lipoprotein (P =0.003) and parathyroid hormone concentrations (P = 0.031) compared to non obese women. In correlation coefficient analysis, serum calcium concentrations had a positive weak relationship with total cholesterol (r = 0.267, P = 0.013) and triglyceride (r = 0.301, P = 0.005) concentrations in all participants; whereas in separate analysis of subjects as obese and non obese groups, these relationships lost their significance. Serum phosphorous had a weak positive relationship with total cholesterol (r = 0.31, P = 0.002) and an inverse weak relationship with parathyroid hormone (r = -0.32, P = 0.002). After adjusting for confounding variables by multiple regression analysis, the positive relationship between serum calcium, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were significant. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that abnormality in serum calcium and phosphorous is significantly correlated with serum lipids. Further studies are warranted for interpretation of these associations and understanding the underlying mechanisms.

Genetic and lifestyle variables associated with homocysteine concentrations and the distribution of folate derivatives in healthy premenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Low folate and high homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations are associated with pregnancy-related pathologies such as spina bifida. Polymorphisms in folate/Hcy metabolic enzymes may contribute to this potentially pathogenic biochemical phenotype. METHODS: The study comprised 26 Caucasian and 23 African-American premenopausal women. Subjects gave fasting blood samples for biochemical phenotyping and genotyping. Total Hcy (tHcy) and both plasma and red blood cell (RBC) folate derivatives (i.e. tetrahydrofolate [THF], 5-methylTHF [5-MTHF], and 5,10-methenylTHF [5,10-MTHF]) were measured using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography, multiple reaction monitoring, and mass spectrometry. Eleven polymorphisms from nine folate/Hcy pathway genes were genotyped. Tests of association between genetic, lifestyle, and biochemical variables were applied. RESULTS: In African American women, tHcy concentrations were associated (p < 0.05) with total RBC folate, RBC 5-MTHF, B(12), and polymorphisms in methionine synthase (MTR) and thymidylate synthase (TYMS). In Caucasian women, tHcy concentrations were not associated with total folate levels, but were associated (p < 0.05) with RBC THF, ratios of RBC 5-MTHF:THF, and polymorphisms in 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and MTR. In African Americans, folate derivative levels were associated with smoking, B(12), and polymorphisms in MTR, TYMS, methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), and reduced folate carrier1 (RFC1). In Caucasians, folate derivative levels were associated with vitamin use, B(12), and polymorphisms in MTHFR, TYMS, and RFC1. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in the folate/Hcy pathway are associated with tHcy and folate derivative levels. In African American and Caucasian women, different factors are associated with folate/Hcy phenotypes and may contribute to race-specific differences in the risks of a range of pregnancy-related pathologies.

The incorporation of marine n-3 PUFA into platelets and adipose tissue in pre- and postmenopausal women: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

The primary aim of the trial was to investigate the influence of menopause on the incorporation of marine n-3 PUFA into platelets and adipose tissue. A secondary aim was to evaluate whether marine n-3 PUFA may change levels of circulating oestrogens in women. Ninety-two pre- and postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 2.2 g of marine n-3 PUFA or control oil daily for 12 weeks. Adipose tissue biopsies and blood samples were collected at baseline and after intervention. Eighty-nine women completed the study. Baseline contents of total marine n-3 PUFA and each of the major long-chained n-3 PUFA, EPA, docosapentaenoic acid and DHA were all significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the premenopausal group both in platelets and adipose tissue, except for EPA in platelets (P = 0.05). After supplementation with fish oil, the content of all marine n-3 PUFA increased significantly in platelets and adipose tissue in both pre- and postmenopausal women. The increase in platelets and adipose tissue was, however, the same in both groups. There was no effect of fish oil on oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women. We found a significant difference in premenopausal women, in whom oestradiol (P < 0.04) and oestrone (P < 0.02) serum concentrations increased after the fish oil supplement. This trial did not reveal any difference in the ability of pre- and postmenopausal women to incorporate marine n-3 PUFA into platelets or adipose tissue. However, supplementation with fish oil increased oestrogen levels in premenopausal women.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones and serum homocysteine in premenopausal women: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the effect of isoflavones on homocysteine concentrations, a risk factor for a number of chronic diseases. METHODS: Twenty-three premenopausal women participated in a double-blind, randomized, parallel study for four menstrual cycles. Subjects consumed either placebo or purified red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavone (86 mg/day) tablets. Blood samples were collected weekly during cycles 1, 3, and 4 for determination of serum folate and total homocysteine concentrations. Dietary intake was monitored monthly. RESULTS: Concentrations of folate and homocysteine in serum did not change significantly in either group, and there were no significant differences observed between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. The participants' dietary records indicated that nutrient intake was constant, and compliance was confirmed by analysis of urinary isoflavone concentrations and tablet counts in returned containers. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in the absence of any dietary modification, supplementation with purified isoflavones that are predominantly methoxylated has no effect on serum homocysteine or folate in premenopausal women.