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Menopause is associated with reduced protection from postprandial lipemia
A P van Beek1, F C de Ruijter-Heijstek, D W Erkelens
1Departments of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands. vanbeek.hopian@gironet.nl
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|November 13, 1999
Summary
Natural menopause is linked to increased postprandial lipemia, a risk factor for heart disease. This study found that postmenopausal women exhibit impaired fat metabolism after meals compared to premenopausal women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Estrogen deficiency is linked to higher coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence in women.
- Postprandial lipemia is a recognized indicator of CHD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if natural menopause is associated with reduced protection from postprandial lipemia.
- To assess the impact of menopause on fat metabolism and its relation to CHD risk.
Main Methods:
- An oral vitamin A fat-loading test was administered to 23 postmenopausal and 21 age- and BMI-matched premenopausal women.
- Postprandial lipids and vitamin A (a marker of chylomicron metabolism) were measured hourly for 12 hours.
- Analyses were conducted with and without matching for fasting triglyceride levels.
Main Results:
- Postmenopausal women showed significantly higher plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
- Elevated postprandial triglyceride and vitamin A responses were observed in postmenopausal women.
- These differences persisted even when fasting triglyceride levels were identical between groups.
Conclusions:
- Natural menopause is associated with aggravated postprandial lipemia.
- Impaired postprandial fat metabolism may contribute to the increased CHD risk observed in postmenopausal women.