Circulating interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α are associated with hot flashes in healthy postmenopausal women Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopause
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
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Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigates the relationship between hot flashes and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in healthy postmenopausal women. Researchers aimed to understand whether the intensity of hot flashes correlates with levels of these inflammatory markers, which are associated with systemic inflammation. The study measured cytokine levels and leukocyte numbers across different severity groups of hot flashes, ranging from none to severe, to examine potential inflammatory links.
Who was studied?
The study included 202 healthy postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years, with participants divided into four groups based on their hot flash severity: none (Group N), mild (Group m), moderate (Group M), and severe (Group S). The women were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including having no significant chronic systemic diseases and a BMI between 18 and 30 kg/m². The study controlled for factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal duration, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels to focus on the association between hot flash severity and cytokine levels.
Most important findings
The study found significant associations between the severity of hot flashes and elevated levels of IL-8 and TNF-α. Specifically, women with severe hot flashes had 37.19% higher IL-8 and 51.27% higher TNF-α levels compared to those with no hot flashes, indicating a positive relationship between hot flash severity and these pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mild and moderate hot flash groups did not show significant differences in cytokine levels. The results suggest that hot flashes may be linked to low-grade systemic inflammation, which could contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and other systemic conditions in postmenopausal women.
Key implications
The study’s findings suggest that hot flashes could be a marker for systemic inflammation in postmenopausal women, potentially increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues and insulin resistance. The elevated levels of IL-8 and TNF-α associated with severe hot flashes highlight the need for targeted treatments to manage both the symptoms of hot flashes and the underlying inflammatory process. Understanding the inflammatory mechanisms behind hot flashes could lead to more effective interventions, potentially improving the overall health outcomes for postmenopausal women.
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.