Vasomotor symptoms and their links to cardiovascular disease risk

Carson, Mary Y; Thurston, Rebecca C.

doi:10.1016/j.coemr.2023.100448

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…There may be an association between HFs and DNA methylation levels which could help to understand the potential link between HFs with CVD. HFs are recognized as a subclinical risk factor of CVD, as evidenced by their association with low flow-mediated dilation, coronary artery and aortic calcifications, and increased carotid intima-media thickness [ 3 , 42 ]. LINE-1 and Alu elements were selected as markers for methylation analysis due to their reported associations with atherosclerotic disease, stroke, and ischemic heart disease [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Evaluation of DNA Methylation Levels and Sleep in Relation to Hot Flashes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ozcivit Erkan,

Seyisoglu,

Benbir Senel

et al. 2024

JCM

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Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the DNA methylation levels in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, measured through Long Interspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) and Alu, and the sleep parameters in relation to the presence of hot flashes (HFs). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 peri- or postmenopausal women aged between 45 and 55. The menopausal status was determined according to STRAW + 10 criteria and all participants had a low cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile determined by Framingham risk score. The sample was divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of HFs documented in their medical history during their initial visit: Group 1 (n = 15) with HFs present and Group 2 (n = 15) with HFs absent. The patients had polysomnography test and HFs were recorded both by sternal skin conductance and self-report overnight. Genomic DNA was extracted from the women’s blood and methylation status was analyzed by fluorescence-based real-time quantitative PCR. The quantified value of DNA methylation of a target gene was normalized by β-actin. The primary outcome was the variation in methylation levels of LINE-1 and Alu and sleep parameters according to the presence of HFs. Results: LINE-1 and Alu methylation levels were higher in Group 1 (HFs present), although statistically non-significant. LINE-1 methylation levels were negatively correlated with age. Sleep efficiency was statistically significantly lower for women in Group 1 (HFs present) (74.66% ± 11.16% vs. 82.63% ± 7.31%; p = 0.03). The ratio of duration of awakening to total sleep time was statistically significantly higher in Group 1 (HFs present) (22.38% ± 9.99% vs. 15.07% ± 6.93, p = 0.03). Objectively recorded hot flashes were significantly higher in Group 1 (4.00 ± 3.21 vs. 1.47 ± 1.46, p = 0.03). None of the cases in Group 2 self-reported HF despite objectively recorded HFs during the polysomnography. The rate of hot flash associated with awakening was 41.4% in the whole sample. Conclusions: Women with a history of hot flashes exhibited lower sleep efficiency and higher awakening rates. Although a history of experiencing hot flashes was associated with higher LINE-1 and Alu methylation levels, no statistical significance was found. Further studies are needed to clarify this association. This study was funded by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa. Project number: TTU-2021-35629.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Evaluation of DNA Methylation Levels and Sleep in Relation to Hot Flashes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ozcivit Erkan,

Seyisoglu,

Benbir Senel

et al. 2024

JCM

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Lifestyle Medicine and Vasomotor Symptoms: An Analytic Review

Kennard,

Lindo,

Ring

et al. 2024

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

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This paper is an literature evaluation of the treatments based on the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine (nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connection, and avoidance of risky substances) to improve vasomotor symptoms. Main findings were: (1) the Mediterranean diet and other plant-forward approaches may effectively reduce vasomotor symptoms; (2) stress can directly impact menopausal symptoms by increasing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other symptoms; (3) the incidence of sleep disturbances are high during the menopause transition; (4) evidence on the impact of physical activity and exercise on vasomotor symptoms is mixed, although moderate activity and strength training may be better for vasomotor symptom optimization than vigorous exercise and part of a healthy aging process; (5) evidence on the impact of social support on VMS is mixed with some studies suggesting benefit; and (6) evidence on the impact of risky substances is mixed but appears stronger for the effects of tobacco cessation than for alcohol cessation. In summary, while there is a variety of quality of evidence depending on the pillar, lifestyle medicine may be generally considered to improve vasomotor symptoms for patients that cannot use or decline hormone therapy.

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Vasomotor symptoms and their links to cardiovascular disease risk

Cited by 2 publications

References 84 publications

An Evaluation of DNA Methylation Levels and Sleep in Relation to Hot Flashes: A Cross-Sectional Study

An Evaluation of DNA Methylation Levels and Sleep in Relation to Hot Flashes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lifestyle Medicine and Vasomotor Symptoms: An Analytic Review

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