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Postmenopausal changes in serum cytokine levels and hormone replacement therapy
M Kamada1, M Irahara, M Maegawa
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of Tokushima, and the Cellular Technology Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd, Tokushima, Japan.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 3, 2001
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly increases macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in postmenopausal women. This may explain HRT's antiatherogenic effects by lowering cholesterol and preventing atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Immunology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Postmenopause is associated with significant changes in serum cytokine levels.
- Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) plays a role in cholesterol regulation and atherosclerosis prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on serum cytokine profiles during postmenopause.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking HRT to cardiovascular health benefits.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure 15 cytokines.
- 97 untreated and HRT-treated postmenopausal women were analyzed.
- 13 women were assessed before and during HRT.
Main Results:
- Serum M-CSF levels were lower in early postmenopause and elevated in late postmenopause.
- Late postmenopausal women showed increased tumor necrosis factor alpha and decreased transforming growth factor beta1.
- HRT significantly increased serum M-CSF levels compared to untreated women, while other cytokines remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- HRT elevates M-CSF, a factor known to lower cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis.
- Increased M-CSF production may be a key mechanism through which HRT exerts its antiatherogenic effects.