Objective: Estrogens play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and metabolic parameters during the fertile period. In postmenopausal women (PRM), the reduced estrogen levels contribute to hypertension and metabolic abnormalities. However, the influence of estrogens on blood pressure and metabolic parameters during perimenopause remains poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the impact of estrogen level transition on blood pressure, body fat, and metabolic parameters in perimenopausal female rats with metabolic syndrome (MS). Design and method: Intact (PRM-C) and ovariectomized (OVX) perimenopausal female rats (n=6/group) were induced to MS through administration of a 10% fructose solution in drinking water for 6 weeks. Blood pressure, physical and metabolic parameters, and fat distributions were assessed. Results: Blood pressure was higher in ovariectomized female rats with metabolic syndrome compared to ovariectomized female rats without metabolic syndrome, and versus intact female rats with or without metabolic syndrome (PRM+MS+OVX: 99±1.3 vs PRM+MS: 93±1.1; PRM-C: 91±1, and PRM+OVX: 94±1.4 mmHg). Visceral and subcutaneous fat were higher in female rats with metabolic syndrome than in the control groups.Conclusions: This study aimed to provide critical insights into the role of estrogen transition on blood pressure, body fat, and metabolic parameters during the perimenopausal period. Interestingly, blood pressure increased in the absence of estrogen in female rats with metabolic syndrome during the perimenopause. It suggests that estrogens contributes with the blood pressure regulation and the metabolic parameters in perimenopause. Future studies are needed to improve our knowledge in this aspect and to provide therapeutic strategies targeting hormonal and metabolic interventions in this population.
Maranon et al. (Fri,) studied this question.