Influence of Menopausal Status on Lipids and Lipoproteins and Fat Mass Distribution: The Pioneer Project

Following menopause, fat redistribution and increased risk for dyslipidemia are common. The influence of menopause; however, on the associations between total and regional fat mass with lipids and lipoproteins remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of menopausal status on associations between total and regional fat mass and lipids and lipoproteins. METHODS: Sedentary, non-smoking women (n=209) were grouped based on current menstrual status: premenopausal (n=143, mean±SD; age=42.7±7.7 yr, BMI=24.5±4.0 kg•m -2, WC=77.4±9.9 cm) or postmenopausal (n=66, mean±SD; age=52.9±5.3 yr, BMI= 24.9±4.2 kg•m -2, WC=78.8±9.9 cm). Fasting (12 hr) serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (Tg), LDL-C, HDL-C, HDL2-C, and HDL3-C concentrations. Total (TF), abdominal (AF), hip (HF) and mid-thigh (MTF) fat mass were quantified by DXA. A MANCOVA was used to determine differences between groups for total and regional fat mass and lipids and lipoproteins controlling for HRT status. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine if menopausal status influenced the association of total and regional fat mass with lipids and lipoproteins. The criterion reference for statistical significance was set at a P \u3c 0.05. RESULTS: Postmenopausal women had significantly greater TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and HDL3-C concentrations than premenopausal women. No significant differences were observed between groups for total and regional fat mass. In premenopausal women, AF predicted TC, but no associations were observed in postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, AF+HF and AF+TF were significant predictors of Tg and LDL-C, respectively. In contrast, only AF predicted Tg and LDL-C in postmenopausal women. AF+MTF best predicted HDL-C in premenopausal women; however, TF+MTF best predicted HDL-C in postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, no associations were observed with HDL2-C or HDL3-C. TF and TF+MTF were best predictors of HDL2-C and HDL3-C, respectively in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION: Menopausal status has an effect on lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations, but not on total and regional fat mass. In addition, menopausal status had an influence on the associations of total and regional fat mass with lipids and lipoproteins

Responses Of Lipids And Lipoproteins Following Acute And Training Resistance Exercise In Obese Postmenopausal Women

A single aerobic session and aerobic training can favorably modify lipids and lipoproteins in postmenopausal women, but the effects of a single resistance exercise session (RE) and resistance training (RT) remain equivocal. PURPOSE: To determine the acute effects of RE and chronic effects of 12 weeks of RT on lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations in obese, postmenopausal women. METHODS: Sedentary, obese, non-smoking, postmenopausal women, not taking HRT, were divided into either an exercise group (E, n = 10; age = 65.7 ± 1.8 y; BMI = 32.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2) or control group (C, n = 11; age = 66.1 ± 3.0 y; BMI = 32.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2). Fasting (12 hr) blood samples were collected prior to and 24 hr after the first (BT) and last (AT) exercise session, and at the same time points for C. E performed ten upper and lower body resistance exercises (3 sets, 8 rep/set, 80% 1-RM) 3 times per week for 12 weeks; while C attended education classes twice per week for 12 weeks. Serum was assayed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, HDL2-C, HDL3-C concentrations. A 2 x 2 x 2 (group x training period x time) MANOVA was to determine changes in lipid and lipoprotein variables. A 2 x 2 (group x time) repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess body composition. RESULTS: The MANOVA revealed no significant changes in serum lipids or lipoproteins following RE or RT. No changes in body composition were observed post-training (P \u3e 0.05). Variable Pre-BT 24 hr BT Pre-AT 24 hr AT TC (mg/dl) C E 189 ± 28 217 ± 55 205 ± 40 212 ± 49 201 ± 48 207 ± 105 206 ± 42 195 ± 106 Tg (mg/dl) C E 107 ± 42 114 ± 40 96 ± 49 103 ± 25 116 ± 49 129 ± 92 112 ± 45 102 ± 48 LDL-C (mg/dl) C E 112 ± 26 140 ± 51 129 ± 37 137 ± 41 118 ± 40 127 ± 89 124 ± 41 120 ± 88 HDL-C (mg/dl) C E 55 ± 16 55 ± 12 57 ± 14 55 ±16 60 ± 13 53 ± 15 60 ± 16 54 ± 17 HDL2-C (mg/dl) C E 36 ± 12 36 ± 10 35 ± 10 34 ± 13 35 ± 12 33 ± 14 33 ± 16 35 ± 13 HDL3-C (mg/dl) C E 19 ± 9 19 ± 5 21 ± 7 21 ± 6 25 ± 6 20 ± 5 26 ± 6 20 ± 7 CONCLUSION: These data suggest that a single RE session and a 12-week RT program have no effect on lipids and lipoproteins. Compared to the effects of aerobic training, resistance exercise related changes in body composition may be necessary to modify lipids and lipoproteins in obese postmenopausal women