Effect of estrogen therapy on adipocytokines in ovariectomized‐aged rats

Aim:  Obesity is a chronic disease that is characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat. The physiological changes associated with estrogen deprivation in menopause have a significant impact on total body fat and adipose tissue distribution. Adipocytokines, such as adiponectin and leptin are related to adipose tissue, and their levels are affected by estrogen. The aim of the present study was to investigate the alteration of adipocytokine levels with estrogen therapy. Material and Methods:  Aged Wistar albino rats were divided into two main groups: control (C) and ovariectomized (OVX). Six months after ovariectomy, the ovariectomized group was divided into four subgroups: two ovariectomized groups received saline (OVX) and sesame oil (OVX + S.oil), and two groups received physiological dose (OVX + PhyE2) and pharmacological dose (OVX + PharmE2) estrogen (2 and 20 µg/kg per day, respectively). Body weight was monitored weekly for 6 weeks. Adiponectin, leptin and homocysteine levels were measured from blood samples before and after treatment. Results:  Body weight increased in OVX, OVX + S.oil and OVX + PhyE2 over 6 weeks (P < 0.001). Adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in the OVX + S.oil and OVX + PhyE2 groups (P = 0.017 and P = 0.008, respectively). Leptin level was significantly decreased in the OVX + PharmE2 group (P = 0.042). Homocysteine level was decreased in the OVX + S.oil group (P = 0.037). Conclusion:  Adipocytokines may play a role in the pathogenesis of cancer or obesity-related complications in menopause. Estrogen therapy may reduce these complications by changing the levels of adipocytokines.