Raloxifene improves the ovariectomy-induced impairment in endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

Author(s): Takahashi K, Mori-Abe A, Takata K, Ohta T, Kawagoe J, Tsutsumi S, Ohmichi M, Kurachi H

Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Iidanishi, Yamagata, Japan. ktaka@med.id.yamagata-u.ac.jp

Publication date & source: 2007-07, Menopause., 14(4):656-61.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of raloxifene on the endothelial dysfunction caused by surgical menopause. DESIGN: Ten premenopausal women who underwent gynecological surgery with ovariectomy were divided into two groups. Five participants used raloxifene (60 mg/d) for 7 days staring 1 week after the surgery, and the other five participants did not use raloxifene. We examined the changes in flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery using ultrasonography. Vasodilation in response to nitroglycerin was also studied. We also measured the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity to examine the change in arterial stiffness in these participants before and after surgical menopause. RESULTS: In both the raloxifene and control groups, a significant decrease in FMD was observed 1 week after the surgery. Although no further changes in FMD were observed in the control group at 2 weeks after surgery, FMD was significantly increased in the raloxifene group. No remarkable changes in nitroglycerin or brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity were observed after surgery in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Raloxifene rapidly restored FMD that was impaired after surgical menopause. Therefore, raloxifene may be effective for ameliorating and maintaining endothelial function in premenopausal women who undergo ovariectomy.