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[Effects of tibolone on the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women]
Katarina Jeremić1, Gordana Lazović, Ivan Tulić
1Klinicki centar Srbije, Institut za ginekologiju i akuserstvo, Beograd.
Background/Aim:
Tibolone is a preparation that belongs to the group of steroidal substances. The effects of the use of the use of tibolone are the consequence of the activities of its metabolities, considering that their hormonal activity depends on the type of tissue in which they develop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the use of tibolone on risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.
Methods:
A prospective observational stady included 94 patients who had the concentration of 17beta estradiol < 50 pg/ml and who was in menopause more than a year. Out of the total number of patients, 63 accepted to receive tibolone 2.5 mg daily (tibolone group), while 31 of the patients refused to take tibolone (control group). We measured the concentration of lipids (cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglicerides), antitrombin III, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein, before and after the treatment within a 6-month period. Then, we compared the difference between the values of concentrations and tested the statistical significance of the difference. We also evaluated the changes of values in the concentrations of the examinated parametars inside a 6-month period in the control group.
Results:
In 31 patients of the control group, from the control group there were no significant changes in the values of the defined parametars as compared to their initial values after six months. But there were changes of statistical significance (p < 0.001) in values of the concentrations of the exeminated parametars before and after the treatment in the tibolone group. In fact, we recorded decreases in the total cholesterol by 17.8%, HDL cholesterol by 27%, LDL cholesterol by 4% (without statistical significance p > 0.05) and triglicerids by 35%. There were no statistical differences in the concentrations of antitrombin III, fibrionogen, and C-reactive proteine in the tibolone group before and after the treatment
Conclusion:
The use of tibolone dose decrease the concentration of the total cholesterol, triglicerides, HDL cholesterol, without a significant decrease of LDL cholesterol. Also, the use of tibolone does not have any significant effect on the concentrations of antitrombin III, fibrinogen and C-reactive proteine. The number of serum parameters measured in this study was limited, thus that was the reason to discuss only about the metabolism of lipids in the patients from the tibolone group. The final condusion about the risk for cardiovascular diseases in the patients on tibolone, howerer, reqnires were extensive further clinical exeminations.
Insights
Tibolone use in postmenopausal women significantly decreased total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides over six months. However, it did not impact LDL cholesterol, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, or C-reactive protein levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tibolone is a steroidal drug with tissue-specific metabolic activity.
- Cardiovascular disease risk factors are a concern for postmenopausal women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of tibolone on cardiovascular disease risk factors in postmenopausal women.
- To assess changes in lipid profiles and inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study with 94 postmenopausal women.
- 63 women received tibolone 2.5 mg daily; 31 served as a control group.
- Measured lipids, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein over 6 months.
Main Results:
- Tibolone group showed significant decreases in total cholesterol (17.8%), HDL cholesterol (27%), and triglycerides (35%).
- No significant changes were observed in LDL cholesterol, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, or C-reactive protein.
- The control group exhibited no significant changes in measured parameters.
Conclusions:
- Tibolone effectively reduces total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in postmenopausal women.
- Tibolone does not significantly affect LDL cholesterol or key inflammatory/coagulation markers.
- Further extensive clinical examinations are needed to determine the overall cardiovascular risk associated with tibolone use.
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