Postmenopausal therapy reduces catalase activity and attenuates cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND: Menopause can lead to alterations in women's health, with changes in the oxidative status of postmenopausal women in whom information regarding the influence of hormone therapy (HT) on antioxidant enzyme activities is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of HT on catalase activity; concentrations of lipids and lipoprotein, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, nitrates, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and carotid thickness in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Ninety-four consecutive women were allocated to one of four groups, without HT and with HT. The latter group was subdivided into women using estrogen and those using estrogen plus progestogen therapy. Plasma biochemical parameters and common carotid intima-media thickness measurements were performed. RESULTS: HT antagonized the decrease in catalase activity after menopause, but had no effect on the levels of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, lipid peroxide, nitrate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or on the common carotid intima-media thickness. Multivariate analysis showed that estrogen-based HT attenuated the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and the intima-media thickness of the common carotid. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that HT in postmenopausal women produces beneficial antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic effects by ameliorating the plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles, increasing plasma catalase activity and attenuating the association between cardiovascular risk factors and early atherosclerosis.FUNDAMENTO: A menopausa pode levar a alterações na saúde feminina, com mudanças no estado oxidativo de mulheres pós-menopausadas, para as quais são limitadas as informações relativas à influência da hormonioterapia (HT) sobre as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da HT sobre a atividade da catalase, concentrações de lipídeos e lipoproteínas, proteína de transferência de colesteril éster, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, nitratos, proteína C-reativa ultrassensível e espessura da carótida em mulheres pós-menopausadas. MÉTODOS: Foram alocadas 94 mulheres para um de quatro grupos com ou sem HT. O último grupo foi subdividido em mulheres sendo tratadas com estrógeno e outras com estrógeno mais progestágeno. Foram realizadas medidas de parâmetros bioquímicos plasmáticos e da espessura da íntima-média da carótida. RESULTADOS: A HT antagonizou a redução na atividade da catalase após a menopausa, mas não teve efeito sobre os níveis da proteína de transferência de colesteril éster, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, peróxido lipídico, nitrato e proteína C reativa ultrassensível, nem sobre a espessura da íntima-média da carótida. A análise multivariada mostrou que a HT baseada em estrógeno atenuou a relação entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e a espessura da íntima-média da carótida comum. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostra que a HT em mulheres pós-menopausadas produz efeitos antioxidantes e antiateroscleróticos benéficos por melhorar as concentrações séricas de lipídios e lipoproteínas, aumentar a atividade da catalase sérica e atenuar a associação entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e a aterosclerose precoce.1008101

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction and its Associated Factors in Women Aged 40–65 Years with 11 Years or More of Formal Education: A Population-Based Household Survey

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors in middle-aged women with 11 years or more of formal education. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out using an anonymous, self-response questionnaire. A total of 315 Brazilian-born women, 40-65 years of age with 11 years or more of schooling, participated in the study. The instrument used in the evaluation was based on the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. Sexual dysfunction was calculated from the mean score of sexual responsiveness (pleasure in sexual activities, excitation and orgasm), frequency of sexual activities and libido. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were evaluated. Poisson multiple regression analysis was carried out and the prevalence ratios with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 35.9% among our study population. Multiple regression analysis showed that sexual dysfunction was positively associated with older age (prevalence ratios=1.04; 95%CI:1.01-1.07) and with the presence of hot flashes (prevalence ratios=1.37; 95%CI:1.04-1.80). Having a sexual partner (PR=0.47; 95%CI:0.34-0.65) and feeling well or excellent (prevalence ratios= 0.68; 95%CI: 0.52-0.88) were factors associated with lower sexual dysfunction scores. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction was present in more than one-third of women that were 40-65 years of age with 11 years or more of formal education. Within that age group, older age and hot flashes were associated with higher sexual dysfunction scores, whereas feeling well and having a sexual partner were associated with better sexuality

Dyspareunia in HIV-positive and HIV-negative middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study

To evaluate whether dyspareunia is associated with HIV status in menopausal women and also to assess which factors are associated with dyspareunia in a group of HIV-positive menopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 HIV-negative and 128 HIV-positive women aged 40-60 years. The Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire (SPEQ) was used to collect data. Sociodemographic, clinical, behavioural and reproductive factors were evaluated, as well as factors related to the HIV infection. Dyspareunia was defined as pain during intercourse. A bivariate analysis and Poisson multiple regression analysis were performed. Overall, 41.4% of the HIV-positive women reported dyspareunia compared with 34.8% of the HIV-negative women (p=0.242). In the HIV-positive women, bivariate analysis revealed an association between dyspareunia and having a steady partner (p=0.047); the woman's partner having undergone HIV testing (p=0.020); vaginal dryness (p<0.001); muscle/joint pain (p=0.021); physical/emotional violence (p=0.049); urinary incontinence (p=0.004); and the use of lamivudine/zidovudine (p=0.048). The Poisson multiple regression analysis found an association between dyspareunia and vaginal dryness (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.96, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.50, p=0.023) and urinary incontinence (PR=1.86, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.27, p=0.031). Dyspareunia was common in this group of HIV-positive women and was associated principally with vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. The importance of treating dyspareunia within the context of sexual health in this group of women should be emphasised and appropriate management of this issue may reduce the likelihood of lesions on the vaginal wall, which may act as a portal of entry for other infections.To evaluate whether dyspareunia is associated with HIV status in menopausal women and also to assess which factors are associated with dyspareunia in a group of HIV-positive menopausal women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 HIV-negativ416FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO2010/06037-

Conhecimento sobre métodos anticoncepcionais por estudantes adolescentes

OBJECTIVE:To compare the knowledge of contraceptive methods as well as to identify factors associated with adequate knowledge among public and private school adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study comprising 1,594 adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years old from 13 public and five private schools in the city of São Paulo city, Brazil, was carried out from June to December 2003. Schools were randomly selected and students filled out a questionnaire about sociodemographic, reproductive and contraceptive methods. The prevalence ratios were estimated with a 95% confidence interval for each question on their knowledge of contraceptive methods and by school group. Each question correctly answered received a half score, and the cut-off value was 50% of correct answers. Statistical tests utilized were Chi-square and Wilcoxon-Gehan tests and Poisson multiple regression model. RESULTS: Of all respondents, 61% were of females in both school groups. Most students had low socioeconomic condition in public schools while they had mostly high socioeconomic condition in private schools (pOBJETIVO: Comparar o conhecimento sobre métodos anticoncepcionais e identificar os fatores associados ao conhecimento adequado dos adolescentes de escolas públicas e privadas. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo transversal, do qual participaram 1.594 adolescentes entre 12 e 19 anos, de 13 escolas públicas e cinco privadas do Município de São Paulo entre junho e dezembro de 2003. As escolas foram selecionadas aleatoriamente e os alunos responderam um questionário sobre características sociodemográficas, reprodutivas e métodos anticoncepcionais. As razões de prevalência foram calculadas com intervalo de confiança de 95% para cada questão sobre conhecimento de métodos e o tipo de escola. Atribuiu-se meio ponto para cada questão correta sobre conhecimento de anticoncepcionais, o ponto de corte foi 50% de acerto. Os testes estatísticos utilizados foram o qui-quadrado, o Wilcoxon-Gehan e a regressão múltipla de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Dentre os adolescentes, 61% eram do sexo feminino nos dois grupos de escolas. Predominou nível socioeconômico baixo nas escolas públicas e alto nas privadas (

[factors Associated With Condom Use And Knowledge About Std/aids Among Teenagers In Public And Private Schools In São Paulo, Brazil].

This study aimed to compare knowledge about STD/AIDS and identify the factors associated with adequate knowledge and consistent use of male condoms in teenagers from public and private schools in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. We selected 1,594 adolescents ranging 12 to 19 years of age in 13 public schools and 5 private schools to complete a questionnaire on knowledge of STD/AIDS and use of male condoms. Prevalence ratios were computed with a 95% confidence interval. The score on STD knowledge used a cutoff point corresponding to 50% of correct answers. Statistical tests were chi-square and Poisson multiple regression. Consistent use of male condoms was 60% in private and 57.1% in public schools (p > 0.05) and was associated with male gender and lower socioeconomic status. Female gender, higher schooling, enrollment in private school, Caucasian race, and being single were associated with higher knowledge of STDs. Teenagers from public and private schools have adequate knowledge of STD prevention, however this does not include the adoption of effective prevention. Educational programs and STD/AIDS awareness-raising should be expanded in order to minimize vulnerability.22315-2

Tratamento pós-menopausa reduz a atividade da catalase e atenua o risco cardiovascular Postmenopausal therapy reduces catalase activity and attenuates cardiovascular risk

FUNDAMENTO: A menopausa pode levar a alterações na saúde feminina, com mudanças no estado oxidativo de mulheres pós-menopausadas, para as quais são limitadas as informações relativas à influência da hormonioterapia (HT) sobre as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da HT sobre a atividade da catalase, concentrações de lipídeos e lipoproteínas, proteína de transferência de colesteril éster, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, nitratos, proteína C-reativa ultrassensível e espessura da carótida em mulheres pós-menopausadas. MÉTODOS: Foram alocadas 94 mulheres para um de quatro grupos com ou sem HT. O último grupo foi subdividido em mulheres sendo tratadas com estrógeno e outras com estrógeno mais progestágeno. Foram realizadas medidas de parâmetros bioquímicos plasmáticos e da espessura da íntima-média da carótida. RESULTADOS: A HT antagonizou a redução na atividade da catalase após a menopausa, mas não teve efeito sobre os níveis da proteína de transferência de colesteril éster, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, peróxido lipídico, nitrato e proteína C reativa ultrassensível, nem sobre a espessura da íntima-média da carótida. A análise multivariada mostrou que a HT baseada em estrógeno atenuou a relação entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e a espessura da íntima-média da carótida comum. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostra que a HT em mulheres pós-menopausadas produz efeitos antioxidantes e antiateroscleróticos benéficos por melhorar as concentrações séricas de lipídios e lipoproteínas, aumentar a atividade da catalase sérica e atenuar a associação entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e a aterosclerose precoce.<br>BACKGROUND: Menopause can lead to alterations in women's health, with changes in the oxidative status of postmenopausal women in whom information regarding the influence of hormone therapy (HT) on antioxidant enzyme activities is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of HT on catalase activity; concentrations of lipids and lipoprotein, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, nitrates, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and carotid thickness in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Ninety-four consecutive women were allocated to one of four groups, without HT and with HT. The latter group was subdivided into women using estrogen and those using estrogen plus progestogen therapy. Plasma biochemical parameters and common carotid intima-media thickness measurements were performed. RESULTS: HT antagonized the decrease in catalase activity after menopause, but had no effect on the levels of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, lipid peroxide, nitrate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or on the common carotid intima-media thickness. Multivariate analysis showed that estrogen-based HT attenuated the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and the intima-media thickness of the common carotid. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that HT in postmenopausal women produces beneficial antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic effects by ameliorating the plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles, increasing plasma catalase activity and attenuating the association between cardiovascular risk factors and early atherosclerosis

Tratamento pós-menopausa reduz a atividade da catalase e atenua o risco cardiovascular

FUNDAMENTO: A menopausa pode levar a alterações na saúde feminina, com mudanças no estado oxidativo de mulheres pós-menopausadas, para as quais são limitadas as informações relativas à influência da hormonioterapia (HT) sobre as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da HT sobre a atividade da catalase, concentrações de lipídeos e lipoproteínas, proteína de transferência de colesteril éster, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, nitratos, proteína C-reativa ultrassensível e espessura da carótida em mulheres pós-menopausadas. MÉTODOS: Foram alocadas 94 mulheres para um de quatro grupos com ou sem HT. O último grupo foi subdividido em mulheres sendo tratadas com estrógeno e outras com estrógeno mais progestágeno. Foram realizadas medidas de parâmetros bioquímicos plasmáticos e da espessura da íntima-média da carótida. RESULTADOS: A HT antagonizou a redução na atividade da catalase após a menopausa, mas não teve efeito sobre os níveis da proteína de transferência de colesteril éster, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, peróxido lipídico, nitrato e proteína C reativa ultrassensível, nem sobre a espessura da íntima-média da carótida. A análise multivariada mostrou que a HT baseada em estrógeno atenuou a relação entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e a espessura da íntima-média da carótida comum. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostra que a HT em mulheres pós-menopausadas produz efeitos antioxidantes e antiateroscleróticos benéficos por melhorar as concentrações séricas de lipídios e lipoproteínas, aumentar a atividade da catalase sérica e atenuar a associação entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e a aterosclerose precoce

Postmenopausal Therapy Reduces Catalase Activity And Attenuates Cardiovascular Risk.

Menopause can lead to alterations in women's health, with changes in the oxidative status of postmenopausal women in whom information regarding the influence of hormone therapy (HT) on antioxidant enzyme activities is limited. To evaluate the influence of HT on catalase activity; concentrations of lipids and lipoprotein, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, nitrates, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and carotid thickness in postmenopausal women. Ninety-four consecutive women were allocated to one of four groups, without HT and with HT. The latter group was subdivided into women using estrogen and those using estrogen plus progestogen therapy. Plasma biochemical parameters and common carotid intima-media thickness measurements were performed. HT antagonized the decrease in catalase activity after menopause, but had no effect on the levels of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, lipid peroxide, nitrate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or on the common carotid intima-media thickness. Multivariate analysis showed that estrogen-based HT attenuated the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and the intima-media thickness of the common carotid. This study indicates that HT in postmenopausal women produces beneficial antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic effects by ameliorating the plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles, increasing plasma catalase activity and attenuating the association between cardiovascular risk factors and early atherosclerosis.991008-1