Evaluation of the isoflavones and estrogen effects on the rat adrenal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometry and the gene expression of Ki-67, VEGF and caspase 3 and the stress oxidative in the adrenal gland of ovariectomized rats treated with estrogen or isoflavones. We used 15 Wistar rats ovariectomized treated with isoflavones or estrogen during 30?days. At the end of the treatment, the left adrenal gland was removed for subsequent histological studies and the right was used to evaluate gene expression of angiogenesis (VEGF-A), cell proliferation (Ki-67), apoptose (caspase 3 clivated) and oxidative stress. Treatment with estrogen showed a largest increase in the layers of the adrenal cortex than with isoflavones. These hypertrofic effects agree with higher expression elevation of Ki67 and VEGF, which did not occur with the caspase 3, indicating that isoflavones have great proliferative effect on the adrenal gland. Similar results were also observed on superoxide quantification show that isoflavone has a protective effect against oxidative stress. Our results indicate positively the trophic therapeutic potential of isoflavones has a protective effect and can contribute to the development of effective therapies to decrease the symptoms of menopause.     

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic comparison of the effects of resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy stilbene) to conjugated equine estrogen, tibolone and raloxifene on ovariectomized rat brains

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on basic cerebral metabolites of in the brains of ovariectomized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four bilaterally ovariectomized rats were randomly assigned into six groups with four rats in each group. The groups consisted of sham-operated (control), ovariectomized, resveratrol, conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), tibolone and raloxifene treated rats. Drug administration started at the 5th day following ovariectomy and continued for 35 days. At the end of the entire course, in vivo single voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed on whole brains to determine choline, creatine and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) concentrations. RESULTS: Compared to sham-operated group, ovariectomized group had significantly lower NAA (P<0.008) but significantly higher choline levels (P<0.031). Administration of CEE and resveratrol resulted in NAA levels that were similar to those in the sham-operated group, showing that the NAA decrease due to ovariectomy was prevented. Treatment with tibolone and raloxifene resulted in a smaller increase in NAA and the effect failed to reach significance. Administration of resveratrol, CEE, tibolone and raloxifene resulted in choline levels similar to those in sham-operated group, showing that the increase in the ovariectomy group was prevented. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol causes levels of cerebral metabolites that is similar to conventional hormone replacement agents. This finding may suggest that neuronal function in the postmenopausal state was preserved. More detailed investigation of this issue should be the task of future research.     

Ovariectomy exacerbates oxidative stress and cardiopathy induced by adriamycin.

Ovarian hormone depletion in ovariectomized experimental animals is a useful model with which to study the physiopathological consequences of menopause in women. It has been suggested that menopause is a risk factor for the induction of several cardiovascular disorders. In the present study we analyzed the effects of ovarian hormone depletion by ovariectomy (OVX) in a model of oxidative stress and cardiopathy induced by adriamycin (AD). To evaluate these effects, we measured parameters related to cardiac damage (creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide and carbonyl proteins) in cardiac tissue and erythrocytes. OVX was found to alter all markers of oxidative stress and cell damage in cardiac tissue. Similarly, the OVX-derived loss of ovarian hormones enhanced cardiac damage and oxidative stress induced by AD. Our results suggest that antioxidant status in cardiac tissue and erythrocytes is seriously compromised by OVX during the cardiomyopathy induced by AD in experimental animals. In conclusion, the absence of hormones caused by OVX or menopause may induce or accelerate pre-existing cardiovascular dysfunctions.     

The effects of soybean isoflavones and 17β-estradiol in uterus and mammary glands of diabetic rat models

The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of soy isoflavones and 17 beta estradiol on the extracellular matrix in the uterus and mammary gland of diabetic rats. Sixty adult female rats underwent ovariectomy, then randomized into seven groups of ten animals each: Non-diabetic: GI Sham control animals ovariectomized; and GII control ovariectomized that received propylene glycol vehicle. Diabetic: GIII Sham control diabetic animals ovariectomized; GIV ovariectomized diabetic animals receiving propylene glycol vehicle; GV diabetic ovariectomized animals treated with soy isoflavones (150?mg/kg by gavage); GVI ovariectomized diabetic rats treated with estrogen (17b-estradiol, 10?mg/kg, subcutaneously); GVII diabetic ovariectomized animals treated with soy isoflavones (150 mg/kg by gavage), and with estrogen (17b-estradiol, 10 mg/kg combination therapy). Treatments occurred during 30 consecutive days. After animals euthanasia, a portion of the uterus was immersed in liquid nitrogen for molecular biology analysis, the other portion of uterus and mammary glands were removed and processed for paraffin embedding. Soy isoflavones (GV) and 17b estradiol improved the production of compounds of extracellular matrix, such as small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs). The combination of both therapies had an additive effect in SLRPs expression. Soy isoflavones contribute to the uterine integrity of SLRPs of diabetic rats.     

Effects of resveratrol, raloxifene, tibolone and conjugated equine estrogen on vaginal squamous cell maturation of ovariectomized rats

OBJECTIVE: The effects of estrogen replacement therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, or tibolone on vaginal squamous cell maturation in postmenopausal women are not well established. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trans-trihydroxystilbene) has been shown to bind the estrogen receptor in rat uteri. The aim of this study was to cytologically evaluate vaginal smears from ovariectomized rats treated with resveratrol, raloxifene, tibolone and conjugated equine estrogen, and to compare each drug with regard to vaginal epithelial maturation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two bilaterally ovariectomized Wistar albino rats were equally randomized into 6 groups: (1) control sham-operated rats; (2) ovariectomized rats administered 0.1% ethanol; (3) ovariectomized rats administered resveratrol at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day p.o.; (4) ovariectomized rats administered conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day p.o.; (5) ovariectomized rats administered tibolone at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day p.o., and (6) ovariectomized rats administered raloxifen at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day p.o. Administration of drugs started 5 days after bilateral ovariectomy and continued for 35 days. After 35 days of treatment a vaginal smear was obtained from each rat. Smears were stained with the usual Papanicolaou method, and observed with a light microscope by an experienced cytopathologist. Cytological grading was made according to the extent of parabasal, intermediate, superficial and anuclear squamous cells. RESULTS: Ovariectomized rats had lower scores for superficial and anuclear cells when compared to sham-operated rats (p < 0.05). The CEE group had higher scores for superficial and anuclear cells than those of the ovariectomized, raloxifene and tibolone groups (p < 0.05). The resveratrol-treated rats had higher scores for superficial cells but lower scores for parabasal cells than ovariectomized rats (p < 0.05). The raloxifene and tibolone groups had the same scores for intermediate, superficial and anuclear cells but lower scores for parabasal cells compared to ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that resveratrol offsets the reduction in vaginal stratification generally observed after oophorectomy.     

Ultra-structural changes and apoptotic activity in cerebellum of post-menopausal-diabetic rats: a histochemical and ultra-structural study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common and chronic diseases, especially in post-menopausal periods. Neuro-degeneration occurs more frequently in post-menopausal diabetics. Therefore, we investigated ovariectomized rats cerebellar cortex response to the estradiol deficiency and hyperglycemia. For the ovariectomy, the rats were bilaterally ovariectomized, and then DM induced by a single dose of Alloxan monohydrate injection in ovariectomy or/and diabetic groups. During light and electron microscopic examination, degenerated Purkinje cells membrane, swollen organelles, degenerated mitochondria, edema formation and vacuolization were seen in the ovariectomy and ovariectomy-diabetic groups sections. In addition, increased apoptotic activity was observed in the ovariectomy and ovariectomy-diabetic groups compared to the control group. We demonstrated that estradiol and insulin deficiency can affect the cerebellar cortex, which support the hypothesis that the execution of neuronal damages in post-menopausal diabetics. Also, diabetes and menopause are major risks factors for many disorders including nervous system and the number of post-menopausal-diabetics are increasing world-wide.     

Raloxifene effects on thyroid gland morphology in ovariectomized rats

We aimed to analyze the effects of raloxifene and estrogen on thyroid gland morphology of ovariectomized rats. Raloxifene treatment led to effects similar to those of estrogen on thyroid glands from ovariectomized rats, so that both were able to normalize the changes detected after ovariectomy.     

Levetiracetam ameliorates ovarian function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus can adversely affect gonadal function. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanism of action of levetiracetam (LEV) on the ovaries in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes model in rats. Twenty-one adult female rats were assigned to three groups as control, diabetes group treated with 1?mL/kg/d saline (STZ?+?SP) and diabetes group treated with 600?mg/kg/d LEV (STZ?+?LEV). Following 4 weeks treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and ovariectomy was performed for histopathological examination. Plasma anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), glutathione and total anti-oxidant capacity values were significantly lower whereas lipid peroxides and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) values were significantly higher in STZ?+?SP group compared to control. LEV treatment successfully decreased lipid peroxidation and TGF-β levels, and also increased anti-oxidant parameters and AMH levels in diabetic rats. Saline-treated rats significantly displayed ovarian degeneration and decreased counts of follicles. However, treatment of diabetic rats with LEV effectively prevented the degenerative changes and follicle loss. Also, LEV suppressed ovarian nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) immunoexpression in diabetic rats. Taken together, we propose that LEV can ameliorate the adverse effects of diabetes on ovarian function via decreasing NF-kB expression and oxidative stress and increasing anti-oxidant status in rats.     

Factors in diminution of uteroglobin secretion in the rabbit.

Uteroglobin was measured under various hormonal conditions: pregnancy, pseudopregnancy, pseudopregnancy with exogenous progesterone, pseudopregnancy with exogenous 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, ovariectomy with exogenous progesterone, ovariectomy with exogenous estrogen, ovariectomy with exogenous estrogen and progesterone, and ovariectomy with either exogenous progesterone or estrogen and progesterone, plus uterine trauma. In pregnant females, uteroglobin levels diminished sharply after day 9. In pseudopregnancy, high concentrations were maintained through day 14. Although exogenous progesterone did not prevent this decrease in pseudopregnant females, re-elevation occurred in the continued presence of progesterone. A similar pattern of decline and re-elevation was found in ovariectomized females that received injections of estrogen and progesterone. With an increase in estrogen dosage, the period of uteroglobin secretion was shorter and the magnitude lower. Ovariectomized females receiving only progesterone did not manifest a clear uteroglobin diminution. Uterine trauma on day 7 of exogenous steroid administration to ovariectomized females was followed by a diminution in uteroglobin. At the dosage level used, administration of 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone did not affect the peak uteroglobin secretion occurring on day 5 of pseudopregnancy. Ovariectomized females receiving estrogen or sesame oil vehicle had barely detectable levels of uteroglobin. A uteroglobin-estrogen complex is suggested as a possible inhibitor of uteroglobin synthesis by a feedback inhibition pathway in pseudopregnant females and in ovariectomized females treated with progesterone plus estrogen. In pregnant females, a uteroglobin-estrogen complex and/or the uterine decidual response to implantation could control uteroglobin synthesis.     

17β-雌二醇对去势大鼠神经系统的作用

目的：研究补充外源性雌激素对去势大鼠海马和皮质组织中核转录因子2/血红素加氧酶1（Nrf2/HO-1）、沉默信息调节因子相关酶1（SIRT1）表达含量及大鼠海马和皮质区域神经元排列形态和数量的影响,探讨雌激素对神经系统的作用。方法：选取清洁级3个月龄Sprague-Dawley（SD）雌性大鼠40只,随机分为4组。空白组（CON组）、假手术组（SHAM组）、去势对照组（OVX组）、去势实验组（OVX+E2组）,每组10只。OVX+E2组给予17β-雌二醇（E2）灌胃,其余3组予生理盐水灌胃。16周后测定各组大鼠海马和皮质组织中的Nrf2、HO-1、SIRT1表达量,同时对大脑皮质及海马CA1区域神经元行形态学检查。结果：①OVX组大鼠海马及皮质中Nrf2、HO-1水平高于SHAM组,SIRT1水平低于SHAM组;OVX+E2组大鼠海马及皮质中Nrf2、SIRT1水平高于OVX组,HO-1水平则低于OVX组;②OVX+E2组海马及皮质组织中神经元数量及排列情况与SHAM组无明显差异,而OVX组海马及皮质尼氏体数量减少,神经元排列紊乱。结论：补充外源性雌激素可下调去势大鼠海马及皮质中HO-1表达,上调Nrf2、SIRT1表达,维持神经元数量及排列结构,从而保护神经系统。     

Effect of tamoxifen, raloxifen and tibolon on bile components in ovariectomized rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ovariectomy on the bile composition in order to estimate the ability of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) (tibolon, tamoxifen, raloxifen) to modify the ovariectomy-induced disorders. The study was carried out on the ovariectomized female Wistar rats. Tibolon (1 mg kg(-1) 24 h(-1)), tamoxifen (5 mg kg(-1) 24 h(-1)) and raloxifen (10 mg kg(-1) 24 h(-1)) were administered for 42 days. Under anesthesia bile was collected during 6h period. The ovariectomy increased significantly the excretion of biliary acids and calcium in bile and decreased the excretion of cholesterol and chloride. In rats treated with tamoxifen and raloxifen the excretion and concentration of cholesterol in bile were significantly reduced in comparison with ovariectomized rats. In rats treated with tibolon these values were increased. Moreover in rats treated with tamoxifen and raloxifen the concentrations of calcium in bile were significantly reduced. Tibolon had no significant effect on bile calcium concentrations. The therapy with tamoxifen, raloxifen and tibolon decreased the serum cholesterol concentrations, whereas the bile acid concentrations were increased in comparison with ovariectomized control. The drugs studied had no significant effect on calcium and chloride serum concentrations. Our results suggest that the therapy with tamoxifen and raloxifen may have the positive effect on bile composition in ovariectomized rats and probably may prevent the gallstone formation.     

Long-term effect of bilateral ovariectomy on endothelial function in aortic rings of spontaneously hypertensive rats: role of nitric oxide.

Endothelial dysfunction associated with both menopause and hypertension could be one of the possible explanations for increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effect of menopause (bilateral ovariectomy) on endothelial function in isolated aortic rings of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Aortic rings were suspended in organ chambers filled with physiological salt solution (95% O2, 5% CO2, 37 degrees C), and isometric tension was measured. In studies designed to assess the tone-related release of nitric oxide (NO) from phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings, we found that vasoconstriction induced by L-NAME was greater in aortic rings from sham-ovariectomized SHR (SHAM SHR) than in those obtained from ovariectomized SHR (OVX SHR). Concentration-related relaxant responses to superoxide dismutase were significantly greater in the SHAM SHR than in the OVX SHR. In contrast, receptor-mediated release of NO was not altered by ovariectomy, as deduced from acetylcholine (ACh) concentration-responses curves. Responses to the exogenous NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were also identical in both ovariectomized and sham-ovariectomized groups, ruling out differences in smooth muscle reactivity to NO. These results show that NO release is impaired in OVX SHR, an animal model of simultaneous hypertension and menopause.     

Long-term effect of bilateral ovariectomy on endothelial function in aortic rings of spontaneously hypertensive rats: role of nitric oxide

Endothelial dysfunction associated with both menopause and hypertension could be one of the possible explanations for increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effect of menopause (bilateral ovariectomy) on endothelial function in isolated aortic rings of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Aortic rings were suspended in organ chambers filled with physiological salt solution (95% O₂ ,5% CO₂ ,37°C) ,and isometric tension was measured. In studies designed to assess the tone-related release of nitric oxide (NO) from phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings ,we found that vasoconstriction induced by L-NAME was greater in aortic rings from sham-ovariectomized SHR (SHAM SHR) than in those obtained from ovariectomized SHR (OVX SHR). Concentration-related relaxant responses to superoxide dismutase were significantly greater in the SHAM SHR than in the OVX SHR. In contrast ,receptor-mediated release of NO was not altered by ovariectomy ,as deduced from acetylcholine (ACh) concentration-responses curves. Responses to the exogenous NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were also identical in both ovariectomized and sham-ovariectomized groups ,ruling out differences in smooth muscle reactivity to NO. These results show that NO release is impaired in OVX SHR ,an animal model of simultaneous hypertension and menopause.     

Tocolytic effects of formoterol are associated with local change in the progesterone/estradiol ratio

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether a beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, formoterol, inhibits premature delivery in connection with change in estradiol and progesterone concentrations in the amniotic fluid in ovariectomized rats. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant rats at the 15th day of gestation were bilaterally ovariectomized and given injection of 17beta-estradiol immediately after the operation and every 24 h. An osmotic pump filled with a solution of formoterol or saline was also implanted subcutaneously into the back of each. The animals were killed by decapitation under light ether anesthesia 18, 36, 54 or 72 h after ovariectomy, and the numbers of undelivered fetuses and newborn were counted. Amniotic fluid was collected 16, 36, and 54 h after ovariectomy. RESULTS: Formoterol (0.15 mg/(kg h)) reversed the decline in premature delivered fetuses due to 17beta-estradiol 54 and 72 h after ovariectomy. Although no influence was evident regarding the progesterone and estradiol concentrations in amniotic fluid in ovariectomized rats supplemented with 17beta-estradiol, formoterol significantly inhibited the increment in the estradiol/progesterone ratio as well as the elevation in prostaglandin F2alpha concentration. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that tocolytic effects of formoterol may be associated with suppression of uterine activity due to modulation of hormone secretion.     

Proliferative effects of different hormone regimens on mammary glands in ovariectomized rats

OBJECTIVE: To compare the proliferative effect of different hormone regimens and estrogen receptor modulation on mammary glands in a rat model of surgical menopause. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. SETTING: University Hospital. INTERVENTION: In a rat model of surgical menopause, 78 adult Sprague Dawley female rats were ovariectomized and treated with estrogen, estrogen combined with continuous or intermittent progesterone or the estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene and their respective vehicle controls. Following intraperitoneal drug administration for 20 days, rats were perfused, mammary glands were removed, tissues were processed for immunohistochemical (Ki-67) and hematoxylin-eosin staining, and investigated under light microscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Histopathological examination of mammary glands and Ki-67 positive cells (proliferation index). RESULTS: Histological examination showed dilatation in the duct cysts and vacuolization in the epithelial cells in groups receiving progestin, either intermittent or continuous. Histological findings in the raloxifene group were no different from the control group, and the atrophic terminal ductal lobular unit in adipose tissue rich stroma was similar to postmenopausal breast. In animals with a proliferative response, increased proliferation started and dominated in the terminal ductal lobular unit epithelium. Comparison of Ki-67 proliferation indices between groups revealed that estrogen alone or combined with intermittent progesterone yielded significantly higher Ki-67 indices compared to controls; estrogen combined with continuous progesterone also resulted in increasing the probability of proliferation, but the effect was not as pronounced as the other two groups. Raloxifene treatment, on the other hand, did not cause proliferation. CONCLUSION: Estrogen alone or combined with progesterone may increase the risk of breast cancer by enhancing proliferation in the TDLU; raloxifen does not induce proliferation and may be a safe estrogen receptor modulator regarding its effects on mammary glands during menopause.     

Immunohistochemical detection of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor in rat vaginal epithelium

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor (VDR) in rat vaginal epithelium during the estrus cycle and in ovariectomized rats. DESIGN: Animal study performed in two groups of rats. The expression of VDR was examined in the first group during the estrous cycle and in the second group after ovariectomy. SETTING: University animal laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Balb/c female rats. INTERVENTION(S): Vaginas were removed and processed for immunohistochemical analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We recorded the localization, distribution, and expression of VDR in vaginal epithelium during the rat estrus cycle and in ovariectomized rats. RESULT(S): In cyclic rats, VDR was detected in basal and suprabasal cells during all of the cycle periods. In apical cells, VDR was positive in diestrus and estrus but negative in proestrous. In ovariectomized rats, VDR was not detected in any layers of vaginal epithelium. CONCLUSION(S): In vaginal epithelium, the presence of VDR was shown by using immunohistochemical techniques. During the estrous cycle, VDR has an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of vaginal squamous epithelium that is similar to the effects of estrogen.     

Effects of diabetes and ovariectomy on rat hippocampus (A biochemical and stereological study)

Oxidative stress is one of the main reasons of both menopause and diabetes. So, it plays crucial role in the pathogeneses of that condition and disease. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of menopause and diabetes upon the hippocampus using a rat model. Adult female Sprague Dawley rats (n?=?24) were allocated randomly as follows; control (C group) ovariectomized (O group), diabetic (D group) and ovariectomy plus diabetic groups (DO group) (n?=?6; in each group), respectively. For evaluating the results, tissue biochemistry and stereological analysis were made. Biochemistry results (lipid peroxidase (LPO); catalase (CAT); superoxide dismutase (SOD); total glutatyon (GSH); and myeloperoxidase (MPO) values) in Group C-DO were determined as 12.27, 21.88, 23.08 and 29.90 nmol/gr tissue; 59.3, 70.06, 69.7 and 78.1 mmol/min/mg tissue; 174.2, 156.4, 159.7 and 154.6 mmol/min/mg tissue; 3.63, 3.61, 4.21 and 3.97 nmol/mg tissue; and 5.05, 5.68, 5.58 and 6.19 µmol/min/mg tissue, respectively. Moreover, both menopause and diabetes led to change of lipid profiles. There were significant differences between the control and other groups (Group C and D-DO) (p?<?0.01) and among experimental groups (p?<?0.01) in terms of neuron number. When the volumes of the hippocampus were compared, there were no significant differences between the all groups (P?>?0.05). At this point, we suggested that diabetes could aggravate deleterious effects of ovariectomy.     

The effect of prolactin itself and in combination with estrogen on bone mineral density in female rats

Abstract

Estrogen deficiency induced by hyperprolactinemia can reduce bone mineral density. Hyperprolactinemia through other mechanisms other than estrogen deficiency, with direct effect on the bone might cause bone loss in women. The present study evaluated the effect of prolactin itself and in combination with estrogen on bone mineral density of female rats. This study was performed on 50 adult female rats divided into five groups; included (a) Sham, (b) Ovariectomized rats; and (c–e) included ovariectomized rats were given prolactin alone, prolactin?+?estradiol and estradiol, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D metabolism parameters were checked in all groups before and after the study. There was no significant difference in baseline values of these parameters. Estradiol could increase 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTH levels and decrease serum ALP level. In addition, Prolactin could increase serum 1,25(OH)2D3 and ALP levels and decrease tibia BMD significantly without any change in PTH level. Combination of estradiol and prolactin could increase serum 1,25(OH)2D3 and PTH and tibia BMD compared with OVX group. Combination of estradiol and prolactin could significantly increase tibia BMD, in ovariectomized rats. We hypothesized that this combination could improve bone loss secondary to hyperprolactinemia by elevated PTH.     

Retention of ovaries and oxidative stress of surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical menopause results in severe menopausal symptoms due to the sudden withdrawal of estrogen. This study evaluated the impact of surgical menopause on oxidant and antioxidant status. METHODS: Thirty eight women who underwent total hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were included. Oxidant status was assessed by measuring plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant status by assessing glutathione (GSH) and estrogen levels. RESULTS: The levels of MDA were increased in all women, and GSH levels were significantly decreased in women who underwent hysterectomy alone but significantly increased in those who also had oophorectomy. Estrogen levels were increased if the ovaries were retained even in postmenopausal women, while they were decreased in the women who underwent oophorectomy. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress of surgery, as assessed by increased MDA levels, occurred in all women. After oophorectomy, estrogen levels decreased and GSH levels increased in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The ovaries may therefore respond to oxidative stress of surgery by increasing estrogen production, estrogen being a better antioxidant than GSH.