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Oxidative Stress Is Increased in Combined Oral Contraceptives Users and Is Positively Associated with
Sabina Cauci1, Serena Xodo2, Cinzia Buligan3
1Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
Oral contraceptive use in young women significantly increases oxidative stress and inflammation markers. This study links higher hydroperoxides to increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, a cardiovascular disease risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation mechanisms in young women are not well understood.
- These factors may predispose women to future diseases.
- Information on oral contraceptive (OC) use's impact on these mechanisms is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in fertile-age women.
- To assess the influence of oral combined contraceptive (OC) use on these biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 290 healthy Caucasian Italian women (100 OC-users, 190 non-OC-users).
- Measured blood hydroperoxides (oxidative stress) using the Free Oxygen Radical Test (FORT).
- Determined serum hsCRP (inflammation marker) using an ultra-sensitive method.
Main Results:
- 77.0% of OC-users showed elevated oxidative stress (≥400 FORT Units) vs. 1.6% of non-OC-users (OR=209).
- 41.0% of OC-users had elevated hsCRP (≥2.0 mg/L) vs. 9.5% of non-OC-users (OR=6.6).
- Strong positive correlation found between hydroperoxides and hsCRP in all women and subgroups (rs=0.426-0.622).
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to report a strong positive correlation between serum hydroperoxides and hsCRP in young women.
- OC use is strongly associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Further research is needed to understand the role of these biomarkers in OC-associated side effects like thromboembolism and cardiovascular diseases.
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