Weight loss improves biomarkers endothelial function and systemic  inflammation in obese postmenopausal Saudi women.

Shehab Mahmoud Abd El- Kader, Mohammed H Saiem Al-Dahr
1. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University.
2. Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University.

Abstract
Background: Although postmenopausal associated disorders are important public health problems worldwide, to date limited  studies evaluated the endothelial function and systemic inflammation response to weight loss in obese postmenopausal women.

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the endothelial function and systemic inflammation response to weight loss in obese postmenopausal Saudi women.

Material and methods:Eighty postmenopausal obese Saudi women (mean age 52.64±6.13 year) participated in two groups:  Group (A) received aerobic exercise on treadmill and diet whereas, group (B) received no intervention. Markers of inflammation  and endothelial function were measured before and after 3 months at the end of the study.

Results:The values of body mass index(BMI), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein  (CRP), inter-cellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1:Ac) were significantly decreased in group (A), while changes were not significant in group (B). Also, there  were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) after treatment.

Conclusion:Weight loss ameliorates inflammatory cytokines and markers of endothelial function in obese postmenopausal
Saudi women.

Keywords:Menopause, cytokines, endothelial function, exercise, diet.