Effects of menopause and tibolone on antioxidants in postmenopausal women

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ageing and menopause, and can arise through the increased production of lipid peroxides and/or a deficiency of antioxidant defence.Aim: To investigate the effects of the menopause and tibolone treatment (2.5 mg/day for six months) on plasma antioxidants and lipid peroxidation.Methods: Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, total thiol groups, caeruloplasmin, erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in 24 postmenopausal and 24 premenopausal healthy women.Results: Data analysis indicates a significant decrease in plasma ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, total thiol groups, caeruloplasmin, erythrocyte GSH and a significant increase in lipid peroxides (expressed as MDA concentrations) in postmenopausal women. There was no significant difference between control and study groups in the mean plasma caeruloplasmin concentrations. It was found that there is a significant increase in α-tocopherol and signi...