 Rapid post-ovariectomy decline in endothelial function
Rapid post-ovariectomy decline in endothelial function
Source: Maturitas 2003; 44: 125-31
Study findings show significant changes in vasodilatation after surgical menopause.
The loss of estrogen associated with ovariectomy may lead to a demonstrable adverse effect on endothelial function as early as 1 week after the procedure, investigators report.
"Estrogen acts directly on endothelial nitric oxide synthase through a non-genomic mechanism, resulting in rapid dilatation of blood vessels," explain Masahide Ohmichi and colleagues from Osaka University, Japan.
To examine the impact of surgical menopause and the associated reduction in estrogen levels on endothelial function, the team studied 20 women undergoing gynecologic surgery, of whom 12 had their ovaries removed, and eight had a sham procedure. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured via ultrasound pre- and postoperatively. Endothelium-independent vasodilatation was also assessed, by measuring the vasodilatory response to nitroglycerin (NTG).
One week after surgery, the ovariectomy patients showed significant decreases in FMD, while no significant change was observed in the control group. NTG response was not significantly altered after surgery in either group, indicating that the effect of ovariectomy on vasodilatation was endothelium-dependent.
In view of these results, "it may be important to address the rapid changes of circulation after surgical menopause in order to prevent cardiovascular disease," Ohmichi et al conclude.
Posted: 5 March 2003
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