Related Experiment Videos
Plasma homocysteine and menopausal status
M G Wouters1, M T Moorrees, M J van der Mooren
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Nijmegen St Radboud, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Postmenopausal women have higher plasma homocysteine levels than premenopausal women. Higher estrogen levels in premenopausal women may help lower homocysteine concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for vascular disease.
- Estrogen status changes significantly after menopause, potentially impacting homocysteine metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma homocysteine concentrations in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
- To investigate the relationship between plasma homocysteine and estrogen status.
Main Methods:
- Standardized oral methionine loading test to assess homocysteine metabolism.
- Measurement of serum 17 beta-estradiol to determine estrogen status.
- Comparison of homocysteine levels in 46 premenopausal and 26 postmenopausal women.
Main Results:
- Postmenopausal women exhibited significantly higher fasting and post-methionine plasma homocysteine concentrations compared to premenopausal women.
- A significant negative correlation was observed between postmethionine plasma homocysteine and serum 17 beta-estradiol in premenopausal women (r = -0.34).
Conclusions:
- Plasma homocysteine levels are significantly elevated in postmenopausal women.
- Estrogen may play a role in regulating homocysteine levels, particularly in premenopausal women.