Effects of raloxifene, hormone therapy, and soy isoflavone on serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women.

Author(s): Yildiz MF, Kumru S, Godekmerdan A, Kutlu S

Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Firat University Medical School, Elazig, Turkey.

Publication date & source: 2005-08, Int J Gynaecol Obstet., 90(2):128-33.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of raloxifene, estradiol valerate plus dienogest, and soy isoflavones (genistein) on serum concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein in healthy postmenopausal women. METHODS: The 80 healthy postmenopausal women enrolled in the study were randomly allocated to receive 60 mg of raloxifene, 2 mg of estradiol valerate plus dienogest, 40 mg of genistein, or placebo (n=20 in each group). Blood samples were collected at the start of the study and at 3 and 6 months. Lipid profile was also determined. RESULTS: Only the group receiving estradiol valerate plus dienogest showed an increase in serum levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein compared with baseline values and values in the control and other groups. All 3 treatments resulted in an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a decrease in total, low-density, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: Estradiol valerate plus dienogest, but not raloxifene and genistein, increase serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels. All 3 treatments, however, have an estrogen-like effect on serum lipid profile.