The aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to determine menopause-related changes in serum levels of main proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.Material and methodsThe study included 175 women, who were divided into 5 study groups (group 1 – fertile women; group 2 – pre- and perimenopausal women; group 3 – postmenopausal women; group 4 – surgically induced menopausal women; group 5 – women with chronic inflammatory pathology). We evaluated the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-20 and of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α with the use of two multiplex cytokine kits. We also determined the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-estradiol (17β-E2), progesterone (P), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) using sandwich ELISA.ResultsThe serum level of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in women with natural menopause and in women with surgically induced menopause is significantly higher than in fertile women in the control group. In patients with surgically induced menopause and in women with natural menopause, IL-8 serum levels are similar to those seen in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. There is a statistically significant decrease in serum levels of IL-20 in women with natural or surgical menopause than in fertile and premenopausal women.ConclusionsWomen in menopause have elevated levels of the key proinflammatory cytokines, i.e. IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α and low serum levels of IL-20 in comparison with fertile women.

Oxidative stress in preeclampsia is the result of the increase in reactive oxygen species and of the decrease in antioxidants.

Objective: To assess the inflammation evaluated by high sensitivity C ReactiveProtein (hsCRP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared withhealthy women without PCOS. Methods: This was a retrospective, case control,observational study. The study group included 31 patients with PCOS and 29 healthypatients matched for age and body mass index (BMI) but without PCOS (controlgroup). PCOS was diagnosed using Rotterdam criteria. Results: Patients with PCOShad higher mean hsCRP levels compared with healthy controls: 3.89±2.75 mg/l inPCOS group and 2.61±1.81 mg/l in the control group, p=0.04. The difference was nolonger significant after adjustment for BMI. In the PCOS group hsCRP waspositively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, visceral fat area, body fat massand glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Conclusion: hsCRP levels are increased inpatients with PCOS and are correlated with obesity, fat accumulation and not withthe presence of PCOS per se.

Estradurin or Sintofolin. (Folia Morphol 2016; 74, 4: 467-473)

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