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Effects of Nordic Walking and Pilates exercise programs on blood glucose and lipid profile in overweight and obese postmenopausal women in an experimental, nonrandomized, open-label, prospective controlled trial.
Hagner-Derengowska, M, Kałużny, K, Kochański, B, Hagner, W, Borkowska, A, Czamara, A, Budzyński, J
Menopause (New York, N.Y.). 2015;(11):1215-23
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiometabolic effects of physical exercise depend on its intensity, duration, and type. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two exercise models, Nordic Walking (NW) and Pilates, on postmenopausal women. METHODS The study comprised 196 overweight or obese women: 20 were advised to maintain their previous level of physical activity (control group) whereas the others started either an NW exercise program (n = 88) or a Pilates exercise program (n = 88). Blood was collected twice for testing: before the program commenced and after it had ended. RESULTS Of the 196 women who enrolled in the study, 147 (75%) completed the study; among those women, 69 (47%) completed a 10-week NW exercise program, 58 (39%) completed a 10-week Pilates exercise program, and 20 (14%) were in the control group. After 10 weeks, women in the NW group showed a significant reduction in body weight (6.4%), body mass index (6.4%), blood glucose (3.8%), total cholesterol (10.4%), non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (16.7%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (12.8%), and triglycerides (10.6%), as well as an increase in HDL cholesterol (9.6%). Significantly smaller-although still favorable-changes, except for glucose and HDL cholesterol levels, were observed in the Pilates group (decreases of 1.7%, 1.7%, 1.6%, 5.3%, 8.3%, 7.5%, and 6% and an increase of 3.1%, respectively). Nevertheless, at the end of the study, the percentage of women with target concentrations of the lipid fractions had significantly increased in both exercise groups. No significant changes in the studied parameters were found in the control group. On multiple regression analysis, type of exercise program was an independent predictor of amplitude changes in most of the studied parameters. CONCLUSIONS Exercise training in accordance with the NW model causes statistically and clinically more significant changes in glucose and basic blood lipid levels than do Pilates and dietary intervention alone.
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[The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women in depending on the used methodology - preliminary study].
Milewska, M, Sińska, B, Sych, D, Kucharska, A
Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego. 2015;(226):206-10
Abstract
UNLABELLED Postmenopausal period brings changes in body composition. Among the major alterations the tendency to decrease in fat free mass (FFM) and increase in the amount of fat mass (FM) are observed. Simultaneously loss of muscle mass and decline in muscle strength with the advancing age are observed. Coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity creates a new category of obesity - sarcopenic obesity (SO), which may cause numerous negative consequences. Therefore, clinicians attention should be drawn to this issue. Unfortunately clear criteria to its identification are lacking. AIM: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women in depending on different definition. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty two postmenopausal women (Group 1) and thirty one young, healthy women (Group 2) participated in the study. Within Group 1 SO was identified, while Group 2 was used for defining to cut-off points. All participants underwent body composition analysis by bioelectrical impedance. Additionally height, body weight and hand grip strength were measured. Sarcopenic obesity was defined by the combination of obesity and sarcopenia. RESULTS Using different criteria for SO identification diversified study results in the prevalence of SO were observed (21.87 to 84.37%). The highest percentage of SO persons was observed while using the Skeletal Mass Index (SMI) derived cut off score, with fat mass (FM%), the most inclusive. In contrast, the lowest number of sarcopenic obese cases were observed when FFMI based on own group cut-off point was used and in the case of using MMI derived cut-off point defined for French population. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of sarcopenic obesity varied, depending on the used criteria. Due to discrepancies between the criteria of sarcopenic obesity identification, standardization of definition and muscle mass predictive equations are required. Development of reference values for Polish population should be undertaken.
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Effects of eccentric exercise on systemic concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin (E2): comparison between young and postmenopausal women.
Conceição, MS, Libardi, CA, Nogueira, FR, Bonganha, V, Gáspari, AF, Chacon-Mikahil, MP, Cavaglieri, CR, Madruga, VA
European journal of applied physiology. 2012;(9):3205-13
Abstract
The present study aimed to analyze the magnitude of muscle damage and inflammatory responses induced by eccentric exercise in young (YW) and postmenopausal women (PMW). Seventeen healthy women (nine YW, 23.89 ± 2.03 years; and eight PMW, 51.13 ± 5.08 years) performed five sets of six maximal eccentric actions of the elbow flexors. Changes in isometric strength, range of motion, muscle soreness, and upper-arm circumference were evaluated pre, post, 24, 48, and 72 h following eccentric exercise. Changes in creatine kinase activity, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) were measured pre, 24, 48, and 72 h following eccentric exercise. For intra and inter-group analysis, a two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied followed by a Tukey's post hoc test. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the correlations between variables. It was observed no differences between groups for the markers of muscle damage, although significant modifications (p < 0.05) occurred within groups throughout time for all variables. Post menopausal women showed significantly higher values for TNF-α (p < 0.05). Also, IL-6 presented superior pre value for PMW. For YW, IL-6 and IL-10 values increased 72 h post-eccentric exercise compared to pre. Further, IL-10 was higher for YW than PMW 72 h post-eccentric exercise. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between age and soreness, and between age and PGE(2). In conclusion, YW do not have attenuated muscle damage compared to PMW who do not make use of hormonal replacement therapy. In addition, YW have a greater anti-inflammatory response after eccentric exercise compared to PMW.
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Folic acid supplementation may cure hot flushes in postmenopausal women: a prospective cohort study.
Gaweesh, SS, Abdel-Gawad, MM, Nagaty, AM, Ewies, AA
Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. 2010;(9):658-62
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotransmitter norepinephrine seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of hot flushes in postmenopausal women, and folic acid was found to interact with its receptors. OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of folic acid supplementation on the occurrence of hot flushes and the plasma level of 3-methoxy 4-hydroxy phenyl glycol (MHPG, the main metabolite of brain norepinephrine). METHOD Forty-six postmenopausal women were allocated (by alternation) into 2 groups (n = 23 each); Group 1 received folic acid 5mg tablets daily for 4 weeks and group 2 received placebo tablets. Four women in group 2 discontinued the study. RESULTS The number of women who reported improvement in hot flushes was significantly higher in the treatment group. On comparing the mean plasma levels of MHPG before and after treatment, a significant lowering was found in the treatment group (mean % change = -24.1 +/- 17.9, p < 0.001) when compared with the placebo-control group (mean % change = -5.59 +/- 16.4, p = 0.10). In the treatment group, there was a significant negative correlation between improvement in hot flushes and the plasma level of MHPG (r = -0.453, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Folic acid supplementation may cause subjective improvement of hot flushes by lowering the increased central noradrenergic activity.
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The effect of low dose zinc supplementation to serum estrogen and progesterone levels in post-menopausal women.
Sunar, F, Gormus, ZI, Baltaci, AK, Mogulkoc, R
Biological trace element research. 2008;:S11-4
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to investigate how low-dose zinc supplementation for 2 weeks in the post-menopausal period influences levels of estrogen and progesterone in the serum. The study registered 32 natural menopause patients, who were allocated to four groups with equal number of patients. Group 1, control group, which was not subjected to any procedure. Group 2, the group that was supplemented with 15 mg/day zinc sulfate for 2 weeks. Group 3, the group that was given hormone replacement therapy (0.625 mg estrogen + 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate/day) for 2 weeks. Group 4, the group that received hormone replacement therapy (0.625 mg estrogen + 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate/day) and zinc sulfate (15 mg/day) for 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected twice from each subject, once at the beginning of the study, and once at the end of the 4-week procedure to determine estrogen (E2) and progesterone levels. Variance analysis was employed in the statistical evaluation of data. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05. No significant difference was found between the estrogen and progesterone levels of groups 1 and 2. Groups 3 and 4 had higher estrogen and progesterone levels than groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Estrogen and progesterone levels in groups 3 and 4 were not different. Results of the study show that low-dose zinc supplementation to post-menopausal women for 2 weeks does not have a significant effect on the concerned parameters.
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Black cohosh has central opioid activity in postmenopausal women: evidence from naloxone blockade and positron emission tomography neuroimaging.
Reame, NE, Lukacs, JL, Padmanabhan, V, Eyvazzadeh, AD, Smith, YR, Zubieta, JK
Menopause (New York, N.Y.). 2008;(5):832-40
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether black cohosh (BC) exhibits an action on the central endogenous opioid system in postmenopausal women. DESIGN This was a mechanistic study conducted in the same individuals of luteinizing hormone pulsatility with a saline/naloxone challenge (n = 6) and positron emission tomography with [C]carfentanil, a selective micro-opioid receptor radioligand (n = 5), before and after 12 weeks of unblinded treatment with a popular BC daily supplement. RESULTS BC treatment for 12 weeks at a standard dose (Remifemin, 40 mg/day) had no effect on spontaneous luteinizing hormone pulsatility or estrogen concentrations. With naloxone blockade, there was an unexpected suppression of mean luteinizing hormone pulse frequency (saline vs naloxone = 9.0 +/- 0.6 vs 6.0 +/- 0.7 pulses/16 h; P = 0.056), especially during sleep when the mean interpulse interval was prolonged by approximately 90 minutes (saline night interpulse interval = 103 +/- 9 min vs naloxone night interpulse interval = 191 +/- 31 min, P = 0.03). There were significant increases in mu-opioid receptor binding potential in the posterior and subgenual cingulate, temporal and orbitofrontal cortex, thalamus, and nucleus accumbens ranging from 10% to 61% across brain regions involved in emotional and cognitive function. In contrast, binding potential reductions of lesser magnitude were observed in regions known to be involved in the placebo response (anterior cingulate and anterior insular cortex). CONCLUSIONS Using two different challenge paradigms for the examination of central opioid function, a neuropharmacologic action of BC treatment was demonstrated in postmenopausal women.
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Longitudinal evaluation of serum leptin and bone mineral density in early postmenopausal women.
Di Carlo, C, Tommaselli, GA, Di Spiezio Sardo, A, Sammartino, A, Attianese, W, Gargano, V, Bifulco, G, Nappi, C
Menopause (New York, N.Y.). 2007;(3 Pt 1):450-4
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate total and site-specific bone mineral density (BMD) and serum leptin levels in postmenopausal women treated with a calcium supplement and in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen plus progestin therapy. DESIGN Forty-four women were randomized to receive either calcium supplementation (group A, n = 22) or transdermal 17beta-estradiol at a dose of 50 mug/day in a continuous regimen and nomegestrol at a dose of 5 mg/day for 12 days per month in a sequential regimen (group B, n = 22). All women underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry determination of BMD and blood sampling in the morning at the beginning of the study and after 12 months. Leptin was determined by radioimmunoassay in all samples. RESULTS After 12 months, serum leptin levels were significantly higher in group A (control) in comparison with group B and baseline values, whereas both total and pelvic BMDs were significantly lower in group A in comparison with group B and baseline values. At baseline, a significant correlation was found between leptin levels, body mass index, and total-body BMD. After 12 months, leptin was still correlated to body mass index in both groups, but the association with BMD was lost. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms previous evidence of a significant correlation between serum leptin and BMD in early postmenopausal women. Furthermore, this correlation is lost over time during the progression of the postmenopausal period, independently from the administration of estrogen-progestin therapy. Further studies and longer follow-up periods are needed to better understand theses issues.
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Effect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal health.
Manonai, J, Chittacharoen, A, Theppisai, U, Theppisai, H
Menopause (New York, N.Y.). 2007;(5):919-24
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal symptoms, vaginal health index, vaginal pH, and vaginal cytology in healthy postmenopausal women. DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Healthy postmenopausal women, age 45 to 60 years old, were enrolled voluntarily and randomly received 20, 30, or 50 mg of Pueraria mirifica in capsules or placebo in identical capsules once daily for 24 weeks. RESULTS After 24 weeks of treatment, 71 women were evaluated. Fifty-one of 71 randomly received one of the three doses of Pueraria mirifica, and the remaining 20 received placebo. The mean vaginal dryness symptom in the Pueraria mirifica group decreased after 12 weeks of treatment. Pueraria mirifica increased vaginal maturation index (parabasal:intermediate:superficial cells) from 46:43:11 to 11:65:24 after 24 weeks of treatment. There was no significant difference of adverse effects between the Pueraria mirifica and placebo groups in this study. CONCLUSIONS Pueraria mirifica was proven to exhibit estrogenicity on vaginal tissue, to alleviate vaginal dryness symptoms and dyspareunia, to improve signs of vaginal atrophy, and to restore the atrophic vaginal epithelium in healthy postmenopausal women.
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Exercise maintains bone density at spine and hip EFOPS: a 3-year longitudinal study in early postmenopausal women.
Engelke, K, Kemmler, W, Lauber, D, Beeskow, C, Pintag, R, Kalender, WA
Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA. 2006;(1):133-42
Abstract
It is an important aim in the prevention of osteoporosis to stop or decelerate bone loss during the early postmenopausal years. Here we report on results of the 3-year EFOPS exercise trial in osteopenic women. The exercise strategy emphasized low-volume high-resistance strength training and high-impact aerobics. Forty-eight fully compliant women (55.1+/-3.3 years) with no medication or illness affecting bone metabolism participated in the exercise group (EG); 30 women (55.5+/-3.0 years) served as non-training controls (CG). At baseline there were no significant between-group differences with respect to physical fitness, bone mineral density, pain and nutritional status. The training consisted of two group training and two home training sessions per week. The study participants of both groups were individually supplemented with calcium and vitamin D (cholecalciferol). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA at the lumbar spine, proximal femur and distal forearm and by QCT at the lumbar spine. Speed of sound and broadband ultrasound attenuation were determined at the calcaneus by quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Pain frequency and intensity at different skeletal sites were assessed via questionnaire. After 38 months, the following within-group changes were measured: DXA lumbar spine, EG: 0.8% n.s.; CG: -3.3% P<0.001; QCT trabecular ROI, EG: 1.1% n.s; CG: -7.7% P<0.001; QCT cortical ROI, EG: 5.3% P<0.001; CG: -2.6% P<0.001; DXA total hip: EG: -0.2% n.s; CG -1.9%, P<0.001; DXA distal forearm, EG: -2.8% P<0.001; CG: -3.8% P<0.001; BUA, EG: -0.3% n.s; CG -5.4% P<0.001; SOS, EG: 0.3% n.s; CG -1.0% P<0.001. At year 3 between-group differences relative to the exercise group were: DXA lumbar spine: 4.1% P<0.001; QCT trabecular ROI: 8.8% P<0.001; QCT cortical ROI: 7.9% P<0.001; DXA total hip: 2.1%, P<0.001; DXA distal forearm: 1.0% n.s.; BUA: 5.8% P<0.05; SOS: 1.3% P<0.001. Pain frequency and intensity in the spine significantly decreased in the exercise group and increased in the control group, while no between-group differences were detected in the main joints. In summary, over a period of 3 years our low-volume/high-intensity exercise program was successful to maintain bone mineral density at the spine, hip and calcaneus, but not at the forearm.
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Undercarboxylated osteocalcin concentration in postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy daily and on alternate days.
Yasui, T, Uemura, H, Umino, Y, Yamada, M, Kuwahara, A, Matsuzaki, T, Maegawa, M, Furumoto, H, Miura, M, Irahara, M
Menopause (New York, N.Y.). 2006;(2):314-22
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) is a sensitive marker of vitamin K status. The authors examined the difference in serum ucOC concentrations in postmenopausal women receiving hormone therapy (HT) daily and on alternate days, and assessed the association between ucOC and triglyceride concentrations, which are related to the transport of vitamin K. DESIGN Seventy-three postmenopausal women were recruited for this study. Thirty-seven women received 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) and 2.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) daily, and 36 women received 0.625 mg of CEE and 2.5 mg of MPA on alternate days. The concentrations of serum ucOC, bone turnover markers, lipid profiles, and hormones were measured before and after 12 months of HT. RESULTS The ucOC concentration in women taking HT daily was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than that in women taking HT on alternate days. Serum ucOC concentrations during HT showed a significant (P < 0.01) inverse correlation with estradiol concentrations during HT. Serum estradiol concentrations during HT showed a significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation with triglyceride concentrations during HT. Furthermore, ucOC concentrations during HT showed a significant (P < 0.05) inverse correlation with triglyceride concentrations in women receiving HT. CONCLUSIONS The effect of HT on alternate days on ucOC concentration was weaker than the effect of HT daily. In addition, ucOC concentration after 12 months of HT daily might be decreased due to the conversion of ucOC to carboxylated OC by the effect of vitamin K through increased triglyceride levels induced by oral CEE.