Relationship between oxidative stress and endometrial polyps in pre-and postmenopausal women

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress (OS) and endometrial polyps (EP) in pre- versus postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding.

This prospective case control study was conducted in the Gynecology Department of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between January and December 2019. In this study, the EP and control groups included 45 participants each (30 pre- and 15 postmenopausal women). Demographics (age, gravidity, parity, and body mass index), serum complete blood count parameters, serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and thiol/disulfide balance were compared between groups. Subsequently, all women were stratified based on menopausal status, and the investigated parameters were investigated separately in the pre- and postmenopausal participants between groups.

There were no significant intergroup differences in the investigated parameters among all participants (P>0.05). However, unlike in the control group, the age distribution in the EP group was bimodal, peaking in the early 40s and late 50s. Stratification based on menopausal status revealed no significant intergroup differences in the investigated parameters among the premenopausal participants. However, among the postmenopausal participants, serum TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in the EP versus control group (9.0 vs. 7.2 μmol H₂O₂ Equiv/L and 0.8 vs. 0.6 AU; P=0.01).

Serum OS may play a role in the development of EP, particularly among postmenopausal women. Further investigations are required in this area.