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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
06:18

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

Published on: August 13, 2019

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Cardiovascular Risk

Marie-Eva Pickering1,2, Christian Heiss3,4, Véronique Morel5

  • 1Rheumatology Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand.

Journal of Clinical Rheumatology : Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases
|June 8, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Endothelial function in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients provides additional cardiovascular risk insights. Bisphosphonate use may positively impact endothelial function, warranting cautious cardiovascular follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Bone and cardiovascular health are closely linked.
  • The relationship between endothelial function, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women is not fully understood.
  • This study investigates endothelial function in relation to bone health and cardiovascular risk in osteoporosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess endothelial function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
  • To explore associations between FMD, bone turnover markers, bone mineral density, and fracture history.
  • To determine the relationship between FMD and cardiovascular disease risk scores (SCORE2/2-OP).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 111 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was recruited.
  • Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured at the brachial artery.
  • Statistical analyses examined correlations between FMD and bone parameters, bisphosphonate use, and SCORE2/2-OP.

Main Results:

  • No significant associations were found between FMD and bone mineral density or bone turnover markers.
  • FMD showed a positive association with prior bisphosphonate use (r=0.270, p=0.007).
  • FMD was inversely associated with SCORE2/2-OP (r=-0.212, p=0.035), especially in younger participants. Many patients had high cardiovascular risk or low FMD despite low/intermediate risk scores.

Conclusions:

  • Endothelial function assessment offers valuable information beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
  • Findings suggest potential benefits of bisphosphonates on endothelial function.
  • Cautious cardiovascular monitoring is recommended for osteoporotic patients, even those with initially low cardiovascular risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
bisphosphonatescardiovascularendothelial functionosteoporosis

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