Waist Circumference in relation to oxidant/antioxidant balance and inflammatory status in healthy postmenopausal women

Abstract

Background. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women and obesity is one of the major health problems in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid profile, oxidant-antioxidant status and inflammation in healthy postmenopausal women and their relationship with central obesity. Materials and methods. A prospective cross sectional survey was conducted between December 2013 and June 2015 in Oran (west Algeria). Women undergoing hormonal therapy, on radiotherapy and those with diabetes, hypertension, thyroid and kidney diseases were excluded. Of 244 postmenopausal women, 127 (56.92±6.27 years) healthy subjects were eligible to study. Women were divided into three groups according to their waist circumference (WC); GI: ≤80 cm; GII: 81- 88cm; GIII: >88cm. We analyzed lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. Redox status was assessed by the analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Results. Results showed that, compared to GI, triacylglycerols (TG), CRP and TBARS were increased in GII and GIII. Activity of SOD decreased in GII and GIII, that of catalase in GIII. We found, positive correlation between waist circumference and; TG, LDL-C (r=0.686, p <0.001), TBARS, carbonyls (r=0.640 p <0.001), CRP, fibrinogen (r=0.537,  p=0.000). A negative correlation was noted between waist circumference and CAT, SOD activities (r=-0.589 p<0.001). Conclusion. In healthy postmenopausal women high waist circumference was strongly related to inflammation and oxidative stress and can lead to development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).