Cardiovascular disease risk factors in postmenopausal women: excess iron is related to central adiposity but not to oxidative stress

Abstract

inviting me to be a graduate research assistant on this project. Her many hours of teaching and assistance have made this research experience unforgettable and very enjoyable. She has inspired me to continue my nutrition career with a researcher's mindset. I would like to thank my committee members, Drs. D. Lee Alekel and Kenneth Koehler, for their expertise and contribution to my thesis work. I would like to thank Dr. Alekel for the opportunity to work on a NIH-funded clinical trial which has prepared me for my future career goals. Dr. Koehler has been a valuable resource in regards to the statistical analysis. In addition, our statistician, Ulrike Genschel, should also be recognized for her many hours of analysis of the data. The American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health are appreciated for their financial support of the study. I would like to especially thank other researchers who were vital to the completion of our study including Jeanne Stewart, Dr. Kathy Hanson, and Laura Hanson for their contribution. My fellow graduate and undergraduate students who helped with subject testing, data collection, and sample analysis are very appreciated for their hard work and dedication. Lastly, I would like to thank the subjects for their participation in our study. adiposity. Multiple regression analysis revealed age, LDL cholesterol, and AGF ratio were contributors to the overall variance (R2=34%; P<0.0001) in oxLDL, whereas oxLDL, time since menopause, fIOMA, HD~L cholesterol, PGF2a, and SF contributed to the overall variance (R2=33%; P<_0.0001) in AGF ratio. Conclusion: Iron excess was positively associated with central adiposity, possibly mediating insulin resistance in these postmenopausal women, but not related to increased oxidative stress. Maintaining a favorable lipid prof le, antioxidant and iron status, as well as minimal central adiposity, may protect postmenopausal women from chronic disease.