Plasma sICAM levels during standard exercise test are higher in postmenopausal women with mixed hyperlipemia. sICAM level in postmenopausal women.

ABSTRACT

Aim: Plasma sICAM, sVCAM, endothelin- 1 (ET-1), TNF-a, its soluble receptor levels and nitric oxide production evaluation during standard exercise test in postmenopausal women with mixed hyperlipidemia. Material and methods: 35 white, normotensive, non-smoking, postmenopusal women. Group A consisted of 24 women normal plasma cholesterol and triglicerides. Group B- 11 women hypercholesterolemic and hypertrigliceridemic. Basic fasting plasma FSH, 17b- -estradiol, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglicerides, HDL-cholesterol were measured. Standard exercise test was carried out according to Bruce protocol. During the test blood samples were taken trice (prior to, at peak exercise, at15th minute of recovery). The sICAM, sVCAM, ET-1, TNF-a, its soluble receptor and secretion of nitric oxide were measured. Statistical analysis: Fisher test and t-Welch test were used. Results: There were no differences between groups A and B in mean plasma concentrations of FSH, estradiol and HDL-cholesterol. Mean plasma total cholesterol, triglicerides and LDL-cholesterol levels were higher in group B compared to group A. Plasma levels of sICAM prior to standard exercise test, at peak exercise and at the 15th minute of recovery were significantly lower in group A compared to group B. Mean plasma sVCAM levels did no differ between groups. NO3 plasma levels was significantly higher at peak exercise in group B compared to group A. There were no significant differences between groups in regard to mean plasma NO2, endothelin-1, TNF-a, and TNF-a receptor levels. Conclusion: Plasma soluble intracellular adhesion molecules levels are higher at rest and during exercise in postmenopausal women with atherosclerosis risk factors.