Differences in erythrocyte membrane cholesterol to phospholipids ratio in postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the changes in the cholesterol:phospholipids (C/PL) ratio of erythrocyte membrane in post-menopausal women with and without hormone replacement therapy (HRT).


METHODS
A cross-sectional study including 83 patients divided into three groups according to HRT (group 1, no HRT (n = 52); group 2, combined HRT (n = 16); and group 3, estrogen-only therapy (n = 15)).


RESULTS
The C/PL ratio was lower in group 2 with respect to group 1 and group 3 (P = 0.03). No difference was found in erythrocyte membrane cholesterol between the three groups; however, the phospholipid concentration was higher in group 2 with respect to the other groups (P < 0.05). In the control group, C/PL values correlated positively with plasma LDL levels (P < 0.005) and negatively with HDL levels (P < 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
From our data the addition of progestogens in HRT appears to decrease the C/PL of the erythrocyte membrane possibly resulting in a beneficial effect on rheological properties of erythrocyte membrane. The results of our study thus suggest additional benefits from supplementation of progestogens in HRT, in addition to prevention of estrogen dependent endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma.
Piazze Garnica
J J
JJ
2nd Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universit La Sapienza, Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy.
Anceschi
M M
MM
Pierucci
F
F
Pollastrini
L
L
Cesa
F
F
Cosmi
E V
EV
D000368:Aged; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000737:chemistry*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood*; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood*
D010743:Phospholipids; D002784:Cholesterol