Some peculiarities of lipid and hormonal metabolism and mechanical properties of the blood in menopausal women

Abstract

Background: Many aspects of age-related correlation and causal relationship between the mechanical properties of red blood cells (RBCs) and parameters of lipid and hormonal metabolism in women are unclear till now. Material and methods: 58 reproductive-aged (less than 45 years) and 32 menopausal (more than 45 years) women admitted to the Central Clinic of Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia were investigated. In each group we studied blood estradiole, free nitric oxide (NO) content, density of inactive form of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2ARs) and mechanical property of RBCs membrane. Results: In the blood of menopausal women NO content and deviation of volume (DV) of RBCs, reflecting their deformability, with lower density of inactivated β2ARs on the surface of RBCs membranes was greater than the corresponding parameter in the reproductive-aged women. DV of RBCs rapidly decreased at low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in reproductive-aged women and wasn’t sensitive to HDL content in menopausal women. Conclusions: Lack of blood estrogens content in menopausal women causes the development of dislipidemia, impairment of renewal of phospholipids in RBCs membranes, decreased activity of adrenergic structures and the subsequent decrease in the NO production. These factors contribute to reducing deformability of RBCs membrane and impairment of mechanical properties of the blood.