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Rusu ME, Bigman G, Ryan AS, Popa DS. Investigating the Effects and Mechanisms of Combined Vitamin D and K Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women: An Up-to-Date Comprehensive Review of Clinical Studies. Nutrients 2024; 16:2356. [PMID: 39064799 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex process and a significant risk factor for chronic diseases. Menopause, a component of aging in women, is associated with several important cardiometabolic conditions including metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Menopausal women could benefit from preventative strategies that may decrease morbidity and mortality and improve their quality of life. Vitamins D and K are essential nutrients required for bone health, immune function, and reducing cardiovascular risks, yet their synergistic effect is less understood in aging women. This is the first comprehensive review to summarize the evidence found in randomized clinical trials of the beneficial effects of vitamin D and K co-treatment in postmenopausal women. In our literature search across key electronic databases such as Cochrane, PubMed, and Ovid, we identified 31 pertinent studies. Overall, significant findings indicate that the combined intake of vitamins D and K may positively affect cardiovascular and bone health in postmenopausal women, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fermented dairy products. Given the challenges in obtaining all necessary nutrients solely through the diet, vitamin D and K supplements are recommended for postmenopausal women to promote healthy aging and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Emil Rusu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Galya Bigman
- Division of Gerontology, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Alice S Ryan
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Daniela-Saveta Popa
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Iliescu DG, Petrita R, Teodorescu C, Olaru RA, Alexa AA, Petre I. Real‑world performance and safety of vaginal ovules in reducing the vaginal symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy and postmenopausal sexual dysfunction. Biomed Rep 2024; 20:35. [PMID: 38312435 PMCID: PMC10831781 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Decreasing estrogen levels during the postmenopausal period results in tissue atrophy and physiological changes, such as thinning of the vaginal epithelium, prolapse and decreased pelvic floor strength and control. Sexual dysfunction associated with vaginal dryness occurs in postmenopausal patients. The present study (trial no. NCT05654610) was designed as an observational, multicenter, real-world clinical investigation to evaluate the performance and safety of the medical device Halova® ovules in decreasing vaginal symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy and sexual dysfunction. A total of 249 female participants were treated with Halova ovules, both in monotherapy and in combination with vaginal lubricants. The primary objective was to evaluate the tolerability of Halova ovules in the management of symptoms associated with perimenopause or genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The evolution of clinical manifestations such as vaginal dryness, dysuria, dyspareunia and endometrial thickness was defined a secondary objective. Halova ovules were rated with 'excellent' clinical performance by 92.74% of participants as a standalone treatment and 95.71% of the study participants when used in association with vaginal lubricants. Sexual dysfunction-associated parameters, such as vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, were reduced by similar percentages in each arm, 82% (monotherapy) and 80% (polytherapy) for vaginal dryness and 72% in monotherapy vs. 48% polytherapy reducing dyspareunia. No adverse reactions associated with treatment with Halova were reported. The medical device demonstrated anti-atrophic activity in the genitourinary tract, resulting in significantly improved symptoms associated with normal sexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic-Gabriel Iliescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ramona Petrita
- Biometrics Unit, MDX Research, 300633 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Teodorescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Nicolae Malaxa’ Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Alexandra Olaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology III, National Institute Alessandrescu Rusescu, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology ‘Polizu’, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Anda Alexa
- Department of Biochemistry IV, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Izabella Petre
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology XII, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Victor Babes, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Iqbal AZ, Wu SK, Zailani H, Chiu WC, Liu WC, Su KP, Lee SD. Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake on Vasomotor Symptoms, Sleep Quality and Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4231. [PMID: 37836515 PMCID: PMC10574492 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The menopausal transition is often accompanied with distressing manifestations, such as vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruptions, and depressive syndrome. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have emerged as a potential intervention to alleviate these symptoms. This review aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of n-3 PUFAs supplementation on vasomotor symptoms, sleep quality, and depression among postmenopausal women. We conducted a systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials across the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases from inception to August 2023. Among the initial pool of 163 identified studies, nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into this systematic review. Notably, four studies detected potential benefits of n-3 PUFAs in improving hot flashes and night sweats. On the contrary, sleep quality outcomes displayed heterogeneity across the studies. Incorporating diverse scales, such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-21, the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 for depression outcomes, we found inconclusive evidence of n-3 PUFA's impact on depression. Overall, the combined analysis of these studies did not provide substantial evidence to support the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs in improving vasomotor symptoms, sleep quality, and depression. Further well-designed randomized clinical trials with larger participant groups are crucial to validate and generalize these results. Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no: CRD42023421922.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Zafar Iqbal
- Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (A.Z.I.); (S.-K.W.); (H.Z.)
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Suet-Kei Wu
- Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (A.Z.I.); (S.-K.W.); (H.Z.)
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Halliru Zailani
- Graduate Institute of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (A.Z.I.); (S.-K.W.); (H.Z.)
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei 242, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan;
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Healthcare Science, Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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