Analysis of the influence of hormone replacement therapy on TNF-alpha serum levels in menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate and compare levels of TNF-α in serum of menopausal women treated and not treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). DESIGN: The study was designed to verify whether there is a correlation between the concentrations of this cytokine and bone mineral density (BMD). MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was carried out on a group of 60 women during menopause - 30 untreated (control group) and 30 treated with HRT (study group). Half of the patients were after natural menopause and the other half were after ovariectomy. Blood samples were collected. Densitometry was conducted on the vertebral column. To evaluate the results of densitometric examination the T-score index was calculated. RESULTS: The T-score index of the control group reached values below -2. T-score results for the study group were significantly higher than in the control group. Hormone replacement therapy used by women from the study group caused a decrease in the TNF content in serum, compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Beneficial effects of HRT on bone tissue may be exerted through decreased concentration of TNF-α in serum. The use of HRT allows constant bone mineral density to be maintained, which leads to prevention of osteoporotic changes.