Oxidative stress measured by carbonyl groups level in postmenopausal women after oral and transdermal hormone therapy

Aim:  Menopause is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, which are accompanied by oxidative stress. Our study was undertaken to determine whether oxidative stress in menopausal women could be reduced after six months of oral or transdermal hormonal therapy. Material and Methods:  Carbonyl groups of proteins in blood plasma were estimated by sensitive ELISA method with anti-DNP antibodies. In this method, protein samples diluted in phosphate-buffered saline were adsorbed to wells of an ELISA plate and then reacted with dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH). Results:  Plasma protein carbonyl levels of postmenopausal women treated with o-HT and t-HT for six months (o-HT: 1.785 ± 0.31 nmol/mg; t-HT: 1.838 ± 0.33 nmol/mg) were lower when compared with the control group (2.232 ± 0.28 nmol/mg). There was no statistically significant difference in carbonyl levels between women after oral and transdermal HT (P = 0.149). Conclusion:  Hormonal therapy reduces the level of carbonyl protein, a marker of oxidative stress, suggesting potential protective effect.