ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to explore the role of estrogen in providing cardioprotective benefits to premenopausal women, examining how hormonal differences between sexes influence the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in women. Materials and methods: Eighteen female Wistar rats were equally distributed into three treatment groups. Animals in Group I (sham-operated) and Group II (ovariectomized [OVX]) received oral saline solution at a dose of 2 mL/kg. Group III (OVX+E2) received oral E2 2 µg/mL/kg after ovariectomy. Hemodynamic parameters and […]

OBJECTIVE: Compare levels of androgens and bone mineral density (BMD) of ovariectomized (OVX) and non-ovariectomized (NOVX) postmenopausal women. Forty women, 20 OVX and 20 NOVX, (53.9 ± 4 years) were selected. METHODS: Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), androstenedione (AN), dehidroepiandrostenedione (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured. BMD was measured in 14 OVX and 16 NOVX. RESULTS: No differences between groups with regard to age, body mass index (BMI) and time since menopause were found. Mean levels of TT […]

Female steroid hormones deficiency leads to a significant increase in body mass, but the possible central and peripheral mechanisms involved in increased food ingestion and fat accumulation in this situation are still unknown. In animal models, the specific lack of estrogen or its action produce progressive body mass gain, clearly demonstrating the possible role of this hormone in overweight after menopause. Obesity and overweight correspond to a relevant human health problem that can lead to premature death. Therefore unraveling the […]

OBJECTIVE: Isoflavones (ISO) present in soybean are named phytoestrogens because they show estrogen effect. The use of isoflavones has beneficial effect in disturbance of post-menopause, which is characterized by ovarian function suppression. Decreasing of estrogen secretion and consequent morphologic and metabolic disarrangements are observed in female hormonal decline. The aim of present work was to investigate the effect of ISO on the fat accretion of uterin endometric tissue, and HDL and glucose blood concentration from ovariectomized rats (OVX). METHODS: Female […]