Effects of tibolone on plasma homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of tibolone on levels of plasma homocysteine, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized clinical study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Postmenopausal healthy women.


METHODS
Tibolone (2.5 mg/d) or calcium (1250 mg/d) and conjugated equine estrogens (0.625 mg/d) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 mg/d) were administered orally for 6 months. Blood samples were collected at the start and the end of therapy.


METHODS
Plasma homocysteine levels.


RESULTS
Administration of tibolone and calcium caused only a 4% decrease in plasma homocysteine levels compared with initial levels. In contrast, conjugated equine estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate caused a 29% decrease in plasma homocysteine levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the reported beneficial effect of tibolone on the serum lipid profile, tibolone had no statistically significant effect on serum homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women. The possible cardiovascular protective role of tibolone might be unrelated to its effects on homocysteine levels.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Firat (Euphrates), Faculty of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey.
Husnu
H
Celik
Ahmet
A
Ayar
Niyazi
N
Tug
Gürkan
G
Cikim
Nermin
N
Kilic
Cem
C
Parmaksiz
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009652:Norpregnenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000494:pharmacology; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP); D009652:Norpregnenes; D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D006710:Homocysteine; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; C027385:tibolone