Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of raloxifene and conjugated equine estrogen on plasma homocysteine levels in healthy postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the long-term effects of raloxifene on fasting plasma homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women compared with conjugated equine estrogen (CEE).


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Outpatient department of a university hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-two hysterectomized, healthy postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Oral raloxifene in two dosages (60 mg/d [n=13] and 150 mg/d [n=13]), oral CEE (0.625 mg/d [n=13], and placebo (n=13) were given for 24 months.


METHODS
Fasting plasma homocysteine concentrations.


RESULTS
Plasma homocysteine levels were not altered in the placebo group. After 12 months, a significant reduction versus baseline in the mean plasma homocysteine level (-16%) was found only in the raloxifene 150-mg group. The mean change in plasma homocysteine levels within this group also was significantly different from the changes versus baseline found in the placebo group (+2%) and the raloxifene 60-mg group (-2%), but not different from those found in the CEE group (-8%). After 24 months, plasma homocysteine levels were decreased significantly in the raloxifene 150-mg and CEE groups compared with both baseline (-13% and -10%, respectively) and placebo values (-15% and -11%, respectively). No significant change in plasma homocysteine levels was observed in the raloxifene 60-mg group.


CONCLUSIONS
Raloxifene has a favorable, dose-related effect on plasma homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women.
Mijatovic
V
V
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Netelenbos
C
C
van der Mooren
M J
MJ
de Valk-de Roo
G W
GW
Jakobs
C
C
Kenemans
P
P
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005215:Fasting / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood*; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000187:drug effects*; D012016:Reference Values
D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP); D010880:Piperidines; D010919:Placebos; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D006710:Homocysteine; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride