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Updated: May 28, 2026
Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Plasma nitrite/nitrate levels in women with postmenopausal hot flushes
P Tuomikoski1, O Ylikorkala, T S Mikkola
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Aim:
To study a possible association between the potent vasodilatory nitric oxide and postmenopausal hot flushes.
Methods:
We compared the release of nitric oxide in 150 recently menopausal women reporting no (n = 23), mild (n = 34), moderate (n = 30), or severe (n = 63) hot flushes. Plasma samples, collected after a 48-h arginine-poor diet, were assessed for the metabolites of nitric oxide (NOx), using the Griess reaction.
Results:
Levels of NOx showed no association with the severity of hot flushes. Furthermore, no relationships with individual hot flushes and serum levels of estradiol or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were detected.
Conclusions:
These preliminary data indicate that nitric oxide appears not to be a factor in hot flushes and might not be related to their etiology. Since a fasting plasma NOx measurement may not reflect what happens at the time of the hot flush episode, in future studies there should be an attempt to assess nitric oxide release during a concomitant hot flush.
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