Oxidative stress, body fat composition, and endocrine status in pre- and postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of menopause on the regional composition and distribution of fat in women and eventual correlations with the oxidative state.


METHODS
In this observational clinical investigation, 90 women (classified for menopause status according to Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop criteria) were evaluated for body mass composition and fat distribution by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and for oxidative status by determination of serum hydroperoxide levels and residual antioxidant activity.


RESULTS
Total body fat mass increases significantly in postmenopause (P < 0.05) by 22% in comparison with premenopause, with specific increases in fat deposition at the level of trunk (abdominal and visceral) (P < 0.001) and arms (P < 0.001). Concomitantly, the antioxidant status increases significantly (P < 0.001) by 17%. When data were adjusted for age by analysis of covariance, statistical significance disappeared for the increase in fat mass, but it was retained for antioxidant status (P < 0.05). Both antioxidant status and hydroperoxide level increased with trunk fat mass, as shown by linear correlation analysis (r = 0.46, P < 0.001 and r = 0.26, P < 0.05, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our investigation demonstrate that fat content increases in the upper part of the body (trunk and arms) in postmenopause and that age is the main determinant of this increase. During the comparison of premenopausal and postmenopausal women, we also detected a significant increase in antioxidant status. Apparently this change is mainly related to menopausal endocrine and fat changes.
Pansini
Francesco
F
Menopause and Osteoporosis Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. pan@unife.it
Cervellati
Carlo
C
Guariento
Angela
A
Stacchini
Maria Antonella
MA
Castaldini
Cristina
C
Bernardi
Andrea
A
Pascale
Giuliana
G
Bonaccorsi
Gloria
G
Patella
Alfredo
A
Bagni
Bruno
B
Mollica
Gioacchino
G
Bergamini
Carlo M
CM
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D050218:Body Fat Distribution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000378:metabolism*; D017697:Premenopause / Q000378:metabolism*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D016387:Women's Health
D000975:Antioxidants; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone