The effects of raloxifene on serum lipid profiles, C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women

Turan G. A., Doǧan E., POSACI C., Çalişkan S., Güçlü S., ALTUNYURT S.

Journal of the Turkish German Gynecology Association, vol.7, no.2, pp.125-129, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 7 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Journal Name: Journal of the Turkish German Gynecology Association
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.125-129
  • Keywords: C-reactive protein, Homocysteine, Lipoproteins, Postmenopausal women, Raloxifene
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of raloxifene on serum lipid profiles and C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: A single center, longitudinal, open-labeled, uncontrolled study was performed with 64 postmenopausal women with the mean age 56.53±6.92 years. Patients received daily 60 mg of raloxifene for 6 months. Serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), C-reactive protein and homocysteine were measured at basal and 6th month of therapy. Results: Raloxifene significantly lowered serum levels of total cholesterol (-3.4%), LDL cholesterol (-11.2%) and lipoprotein (a) (-3.4%) levels. HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly by 11.1%. However, there was no significant change on triglycerides. Serum inflammation marker homocysteine significantly decreased by 21% with raloxifene, but no change in the C-reactive protein levels was observed. Discussion: Raloxifene treatment for 6 months favorably alters cardiac risk factor levels by decreasing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), and homocysteine and by increasing HDL cholesterol without changing triglyceride and C-reactive protein levels significantly.