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The AIM of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant drug “U-74389G” in a rat model of hypoxia reoxygenation (HR) using the previously established protocol. Effects of treatment were evaluated by mean red blood cell distribution width (RDW) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 rats of a mean weight of 231.875 g were employed in the study. RDW levels were determined at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min (groups B and D) after starting the reoxygenation. Groups A and B received no drugs, whereas rats from groups C and D were administered with U-74389G. RESULTS: demonstrated that U-74389G administration significantly decreased the RDW levels by 4.96% + 2.27% (p = 0.0175). Reoxygenation time non-significantly decreased the RDW levels by 0.27% + 2.41% (p = 0.8889). Together, U-74389G administration and reoxygenation time non-significantly decreased the RDW levels by 2.54% + 1.39% (p = 0.0679). CONCLUSIONS: U-74389G administration particulary in concert without reperfusion declines the RDW levels even within the short - time context of 1.5 hours reperfusion.

Critically ill patients usually present with circulatory hypoxemia and this is associated with a poorer prognosis. The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of U-74389G with specific regard to a hypoxemia/re-oxygenation protocol, on mean blood haemoglobin (Hgb) levels in rats.

Background: This article presents an experimental model for assessment of Erythropoietin (Epo) effects produced upon post-ischemic damage of ovarian tissue. The results of study were expressed as a combined index calculated from individual pathologic scores of experimental ovarian damages. The panel included 4 distinct histologic variables, those of Ovarian Epithelium edema (OE), Ovarian Congestion (OC), Ovarian epithelium Karyorrhexis (OK) and Oophoritis (OO). Final conclusions were based on the data from 2 independent experimental series with acute ischemia-reperfusion of ovaries produced in female rats, assessing the effects of locally injected Erythropoietin (Epo). Moreover, the proinflammatory cytokine (TNFa) and Malonic Dialdehyde (MDA) were also assayed as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in young Wistar rats. Ovarian ischemia was induced by clapping inferior aorta for 45 min after the laparotomy. Two experimental time points were chosen for assessing the OE, OC and OK, OO and TNFa, MDA scores, i.e., 60 and 120 min after starting the ovarian reperfusion. The groups A and B were served as controls, whereas the groups C and D were administered Epo intravenously. Results: The first experimental series showed that Epo has a non-significant enhancing effect for the OE and OC indexes (p-values=0.94) in a subgroup with the histologically "unchanged" state, at a grade of 0.009 [-0.258-+0.276]. The second study showed that Epo treatment was associated with a moderate, however, non-significant increase of OK and OO within the animals with "unchanged" state, grade 0.027 [-0.055-0.110] (p-values=0.50). These two studies were co-evaluated since they were obtained in the same experimental setting. Separate calculations were performed for TNFa and MDA scores showing some marginal unspecified effects of Epo. Conclusion: Epo administration was associated with a trend for enhancement of the 4 histologic variables within the "unchanged" grade group at the score of 0.018 [-0.128-+0.165] (p-value=0.80), along with some reduction of the TNFa levels by 22.89% [+15.05%] (p-value=0.12), and non-significant increase of MDA levels by 27.05% [+29.63%] (p-value=0.35). This minimal antioxidant effects should be interpreted with caution. Very likely, the antioxidant effects will be more pronounced at later observation terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental study examined the effect of the antioxidant drug U-74389G, on a rat model and particularly in a renal ischemia- reperfusion protocol. The effects of that molecule were studied biochemically using blood mean urea levels. Forty rats of mean weight 231.875 g were used in the study. Urea levels were measured at 60 min of reperfusion (groups A and C) and at 120 min of reperfusion (groups B and D). The drug U-74389G was administered only in groups C and D. U-74389G administration significantly decreased the predicted urea levels by 11.35%±2.73% (P=0.0001). Reperfusion time non-significantly increased the predicted urea levels by 2.26%±3.29% (P=0.4103). However, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together significantly decreased the predicted urea levels by 6.31%±1.70% (P=0.0005). U-74389G administration whether it interacted or not with reperfusion time had significant decreasing effect on the urea serum levels, reflecting a respective renal function augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Urinary incontinence in general is a major cause of quality of life impairment, morbidity and hospitalization. Its onset is strongly linked to the menopause. Our study aimed to elucidate the possible relationship between endogenous circulating estrogens and the onset and development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods One hundred and thirty eight peri- and postmenopausal women with SUI were matched 1:1 with continent women based on age and BMI. Morning fasting blood samples were drawn from all subjects for assessment of estradiol (E2), FSH, LH, Testosterone, Δ4-Androstendione (Δ4Α), DHEAS, prolactin, SBHG as well as a biochemical profile (glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, ApoA1, ApoB). Hormone and biochemical parameters were compared between continent and incontinent women. Results Incontinent women had significantly lower serum estradiol levels compared to those in the control group (17.30 ± 8.16 vs. 24.22 ± 8.99, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the same association was observed for serum Δ4Α (146.07 ± 52.63 vs. 159.99 ± 42.62, P = 0.017). These associations remained significant after controlling for age, menopausal age, BMI, and number of deliveries. Conclusions These results may indicate that within the postmenopausal range, endogenous sex hormones may be associated with the presence of SUI in women not on menopausal hormone therapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:121-125, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This biomedical study tested the effect of erythropoietin (Epo) in rat model, especially in a hypoxia-reoxygenation one. The trend of this factor was evaluated hematologically using serum mean platelets volume (MPV) values. Methods: Forty rats with a mean mass 247.7 g were used. MPV values were evaluated at 60 min (for groups A and C) and at 120 min (for groups B and D) of reoxygenation. Epo was provided only in groups C and D. Results: Epo administration non-significantly lowered the MPV levels by 0.12% +2.13% (p=0.9513). Reoxygenation time non-significantly augmented the MPV levels by 1.37%+2.11% (p=0.4873). However, Epo administration together with reoxygenation time non-significantly reduced the MPV levels by 0.27%+0.92% (p=0.7585). Conclusion: Epo administration had a non-significant short-time decline effect on MPV levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental study examined the effect of erythropoietin (Epo) in a rat model and particularly in an ischemia–reperfusion protocol. The potential beneficial effect of Epo was studied pathologically using endometrial edema (EE) lesions. Endometrial edema was evaluated 60 min after reperfusion (Groups A and C) and 120 min after reperfusion (Groups B and D) in rats. Epo was administered only in Groups C and D. Epo administration non-significantly increased the EE scores by 0.05 (p = 0.9315). Reperfusion non-significantly increased the EE scores by 0.15 (p = 0.6508). Epo administration and reperfusion together non-significantly increased the EE scores by 0.027 (p = 0.8898). Epo administration, reperfusion, and their interaction reduced the EE scores from significant to non-significant levels. Perhaps a study time longer than 2 h or a higher Epo dose could result in complete resolution of the endometrial edema formed as a result of the ischemia–reperfusion injury in this rat model.  [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This experimental study examined the effect of the anti-oxidant drug U-74389G in a rat model using a renal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) protocol. The effects of the molecule were studied biochemically by assessing mean serum uric acid levels (SUA). In total, 40 rats (mean weight = 231.875 g) were used in the study. SUA levels were measured at 60 min of reperfusion for groups A and C and at 120 min of reperfusion for groups B and D. The drug U-74389G was administered only in groups C and D. U-74389G administration non-significantly increased the SUA levels by 15.43%±9.10% (p=0.096) at the representative endpoint of 1.5 h. The reperfusion time non-significantly decreased the SUA levels by 13.61%±9.18% (p=0.126). However, the interaction of U-74389G administration and reperfusion time non-significantly increased the SUA levels by 4.78%±5.64% (p= 0.387). Whether it interacted with the reperfusion time, U-74389G administration non-significantly increased SUA levels. It seems that U-74389G cannot reverse injury to IR tubular epithelial cells within 2 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Aim of the study: We evaluated possible associations between the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) and levels of sex hormones as well as biochemical parameters in a sample of ambulatory patients.Material and methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 133 adults (52 men, 66 premenopausal and 15 postmenopausal women), with relapsing-remitting MS. Fasting venous blood samples were drawn for biochemical and hormonal evaluation. These parameters were tested for possible associations with MS severity, assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)-scores.Results: Follicle-stimulating hormonecorrelated with mean EDSS scores (r= −0.369,p= 0.038) in the premenopausal subgroup. However, this association became non-significant in the age-adjusted multivariate analysis (p= 0.141; power = 67%, typeαerror 0.10). Free androgen exhibited a borderline negative effect on EDSS-scores in the subgroup of men (r= −0.367,p= 0.093), which was lost after adjusting for age and duration of disease (p= 0.192; statistical power = 93%, typeαerror 0.05). Levels of estradiol tended to affect disability status of postmenopausal women (normal–mild vs. severe impairment: 23.33 ± 11.73pg/mL vs. 14.74 ± 6.30pg/mL,p= 0.095). Levels of sex hormones or indices of glycemic metabolism did not differ between patients presenting with EDSS scores higher or lower than the median value.Conclusion: Sex hormones and indices of glucose metabolism exhibited only a middle effect on EDSS scoring, which was not independent from the presence of confounders like age and duration of MS. The present study highlights the need for additional research, in order to elucidate the role of sex hormones and insulin resistance in the course of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of erythropoietin on rat model and particularly in an ischemia reperfusion (HR) protocol. The effect of that molecule was studied biochemically using blood mean glucose (Gl) levels. Materials and methods: 40 rats of mean weight 247.7 g were used in the study. Gl levels were measured at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min (groups B and D) of reperfusion. Erythropoietin was administered only in groups C and D. Results were that Epo administration non-significantly increased the gl levels by 5.59% +6.46% (p=0.3208). Reperfusion time non-significantly increased the gl levels by 5.63%+6.45% (p=0.4098). However, erythropoietin administration and reperfusion time together produced a non significant combined effect in increasing the gl levels by 4.94%+3.81% (p= 0.1892). Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that erythropoietin administration, reperfusion time, or their interaction non-significantly increase the blood glucose levels in short-term. Opposite bibliographic data are considered more reliable, until a greater sample provide clearer results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This experimental study examines the effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" on rat model, particularly in an ischemia-reperfusion (IR) protocol. The effects of this molecule were biochemically studied using mean creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels in blood. Materials and Methods: Forty rats with a mean weight of 231.875 g were used in the study. CPK levels were measured at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min of reperfusion (groups B and D); A and B were groups without U-74389G administration, but C and D were groups with U-74389G administration. Results: U-74389G administration significantly increased CPK levels by 35.34%+17.20% (p=0.0260). Reperfusion time nonsignificantly increased CPK levels by 13.17%+18.05% (p=0.4134). However, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together non-significantly increased CPK levels by 18.52%+9.44% (p=0.0770). Conclusion: U-74389G administration significantly increased CPK levels for a short term; however, these levels could not be restored, and the restoration capacity increases along with reperfusion time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Nutritional deficiencies are common after bariatric surgery. We aimed to assess the prevalence and possible predictors of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in bariatric patients. Methods. A total of 95 patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were assessed after a median of 3 years after surgery. Anthropometric/demographic and weight-loss parameters were compared according to the presence of SHPT, independently for men/premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. Results. SHPT was highly prevalent (men/premenopausal women, 52.1%; postmenopausal women, 31.9%). Among men/premenopausal women, multivariate analysis indicated that SHPT was predicted by (a) 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (Exp(B) = 0.869, P-value = 0.037), independently of age, sex, smoking; (b) calcium (Exp(B) = 0.159, P-value = 0.033) and smoking, independently of age and sex; (c) magnesium (Exp(B) = 0.026, P-value = 0.046) and smoking, independently of age and sex. Among postmenopausal women, SHPT was predicted by menopausal age independently of age, smoking, and levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D or calcium. The development of SHPT was not associated with the type of surgery. Conclusions. RYGB and SG exhibited similar effects regarding the regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-parathyroid axis after surgery. Vitamin D status and menopausal age appear to determine SHPT on the long term. SHPT should be sought and vigorously treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G", on rat model and particularly in an ischemia - reperfusion protocol. The beneficial effect or non-effectiveness of that molecule were studied biochemically using blood mean total protein levels. Materials and methods. 40 rats of mean weight 231.875 gr were used in the study. Total protein levels were measured at 60 min of reperfusion (groups A and C) and at 120 min of reperfusion (groups B and D), A and B without but C and D with U-74389G administration. Results were that U-74389G administration significantly decreased the predicted TP levels by 7.34% + 1.76% (P = 0.000). Reperfusion time non-significantly increased the predicted TP levels by 1.46% + 2.12% (p = 0.410). However, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together significantly decreased the TP levels by 4.08% + 1.10% (P = 0.000). Conclusions are that U-74389G administration interacted or not with reperfusion time significantly decreases the total protein levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" on rat model, particularly in ischemia reperfusion protocol. The beneficial or other effects of that molecule were studied estimating the mean endosalpingeal karyorrhexis (EK) lesions. Material and methods. 40 rats were used of mean weight 247.7 g. EK was evaluated 60 min after reperfusion for groups A and C and 120 min after reperfusion for groups B and D. Groups A and B without the drug but C and D with erythropoietin administration. Results. Results were that erythropoietin administration kept non-significantly increased the EK scores by 0.1 (-0.0393284-0.2393284) (p = 0.1544). This finding was in accordance with the results of Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p = 0.1573). Reperfusion time non-significantly decreased the EK scores by 0.1 (-0.2393284-0.0393284) (p = 0.1544), approximately in accordance with the increased EK score by 0.1 (-0.2440518-0.0440518) of Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p = 0.1573). However, Epo administration and reperfusion time together kept non-significantly increased the EK scores by 0.0181818 (-0.0679319-0.1042955) (p = 0.6715). Conclusions. Results of this study indicate that Epo administration kept non-significantly increased the EK scores. Perhaps, a longer study time than 2 hours may provide more significant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G", on rat model and particularly in a liver ischemia reperfusion (IR) protocol. The beneficial effect or non-effectiveness of that molecule were studied biochemically using mean blood alkaline phosphatase levels (ALP). Forty rats of mean weight 231.875 gr were used in the study. ALP levels were measured 60 min after reperfusion (groups A and C) and 120 min after reperfusion (groups B and D) with administration of the drug U-74389G in groups C and D. U-74389G administration non-significantly increased the ALP levels by 19.76%±15.06% (p=0.1784), but by 31.91%±7.69% (p=0.0001) for predicted values. Reperfusion time non-significantly decreased the ALP levels by 25.21%±14.83% (p=0.0675), also by 6.38%±9.30% (p=0.3650) for predicted values. However, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together non-significantly increased the ALP levels by 8.08%±9.19% (p=0.3696), but also by 17.75%±4.79% (p=0.0005) for predicted values. This study indicates that U-74389G administration and its interaction with reperfusion time non-significantly increased short-term effects on ALP levels. However, the predicted ALP values adjusted for rats weight, kept significantly increased ones, which stand for the restorating effects of U-74389G, that are slower than it seems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to assess the effect of erythropoietin on a rat model, particularly under a renal ischemia reperfusion protocol. The beneficial or lack of effects of that molecule on the excreted renal product of serum uric acid were studied biochemically. Material and methods: Forty rats were used with a mean weight of 247.7 gr. Serum uric acid levels were measured measured at 60 min after reperfusion (Groups A and C) and at 120 min after reperfusion (groups B and D). Results: 1) Erythropoietin administration non-significantly decreased the serum uric acid levels non-signifi- cantly by 0.02 mg/dL [-0.2415423 mg/dL-0.2015423 mg/dL] (p=0.8560), in accordance with the paired t-test (p=0.8438). Reperfusion time non-significantly increased the serum uric acid levels non-significantly by 0.17 mg/dL [-0.0444933 mg/dL-0.3844933 mg/dL] (p=0.1169), in accordance with the paired t-test (p=0.1648). 3) The interaction of erythropoietin administration and reperfusion time non-significantly increased the serum uric acid levels non-significantly by 0.1 mg/dL [-0.0295564 mg/dL-0.2295564 mg/dL] (p=0.1264). Conclusion: Erythropoietin administration, reperfusion time and their interaction have no significant short term alterations on serum uric acid levels. Conclusions cannot be extracted by non-significant p-values within 2 hours. Obviously, longer study times may permit safer results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contradictory results have been reported regarding a relationship between serum lipid levels and bone mineral density. The purpose of this study was to further investigate a possible relationship between those parameters in Greek postmenopausal women. A total of 591 patients followed at a tertiary hospital were examined for seven different lipid factors in relation to dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry measurements at the lumbar spine. Lipoprotein-a was the only lipid measurement that univariately showed an almost significant trend of association with bone mass category (analysis of variance [ANOVA] p value 0.062 for Ln(Lipoprotein-a)). In multiple regression, it was noted that a non-significant negative trend of association of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and Apolipoprotein AI with lumbar T-score ( p value 0.058 and 0.075, respectively). In age subgroup analysis, Lipoprotein-a and Ln(Lipoprotein-a) presented a negative correlation with lumbar T-score for women with age ≥ 53 years ( p value 0.043 and 0.070, respectively), while a negative correlation of HDL and Apolipoprotein AI levels with lumbar T-score remained in women with age < 53 years ( p value 0.039 and 0.052, respectively). The findings do not support a strong relationship between lipid levels and bone mass measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to examine the profile of selected proinflammatory cytokines in maternal serum of first-trimester pregnancies complicated by threatened abortion (TACP) and its relevance to obstetric outcome. Serum levels of Th1-type cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and Th2-type cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured, by ELISA, in 22 women with TACP and adverse outcome at admission (group A) and compared with the corresponding levels of 31 gestational age-matched women with TACP and successful outcome at admission (group B1) and discharge (group B2) and 22 gestational age-matched women with first-trimester uncomplicated pregnancy (group C) who served as controls. Mann-Whitney U or Wilcoxon test was applied as appropriate to compare differences between groups. IL-1β and TNF-alpha were detected with significantly higher levels in group A, compared to all other groups. On the contrary, IL-6 levels were detected with no significant difference among all the other groups studied. It is concluded that in first-trimester TACP with adverse outcome, a distinct immune response, as reflected by elevated maternal IL-1β, TNF-alpha, and unaltered IL-6 levels, is relevant to a negative obstetric outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study compared the hematopoietic capacities of erythropoietin (Epo) and antioxidant drug U-74389G, based on 2 preliminary studies. The provided results on hematocrit levels augmentation were co-evaluated in a hypoxia reoxygenation protocol of an animal model., Materials and Methods: Hematocrit levels were evaluated at the 60th reoxygenation min (for groups A, C and E) and at the 120th reoxygenation min (for groups B, D and F) in 60 rats. Groups A and B received no drugs, rats from groups C and D were administered with Epo; whereas rats from groups E and F were administered with U-74389G., Results: The first preliminary study of Epo non-significantly increased the hematocrit levels by 0.24%+1.38% (p-value=0.8586). The second preliminary study of U-74389G significantly raised the hematocrit levels by 3.16%+1.33% (p-value=0.0196). These 2 studies were co-evaluated since they came from the same experimental setting. The outcome of the co-evaluation was that U-74389G has approximately 12.66-fold higher hematopoietic potency than Epo (p-value=0.0000)., Conclusion: The anti-oxidant capacities of U-74389G provide satisfactory acute hematopoietic properties; presenting approximately 12.66-fold hematocrit level rise than epo (p-value=0.0000)., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Aim: The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G", on rat model and particularly in a hypoxia-reoxygenation protocol. The beneficial effect or non-effectiveness of that molecule were studied hematologically using blood mean platelet count. Results were that U-74389G administration interacted or not with reoxygenation time decreased the platelet count by 6.12% ± 3.58% (p = 0.0857) and 12.83% ± 5.79% (p = 0.0303) respectively., Conclusions: U-74389G administration interacted or not with reoxygenation time decreases the platelet count within short-term time of 2 hours by different significance levels.

Unlabelled: The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" on rat model, particularly in ischemia reperfusion protocol. The beneficial or other effects of that molecule were studied estimating the mean oophoritis (OI) lesions., Materials and Methods: 40 rats were used of mean weight 231.875 g. OI was evaluated 60 min after reperfusion for groups A and C and 120 min after reperfusion for groups B and D. Groups A and B were without the drug but C and D with U-74389G administration. Results were that U-74389G administration kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.05±0.051 without lesions (p=0.3204). Reperfusion time kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.05±0.051 also without lesions (p=0.3204). Nevertheless, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.045±0.030 (p=0.1334)., Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that U-74389G administration, reperfusion time and their interaction declined the increased OI scores from significant to non-significant level.

Aim: To determine antepartum and postpartum serum heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in pre-eclamptic (PE) and normotensive pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between HO-1 levels and severity of PE., Patients and Methods: Ten normotensive women were compared to 9 women with mild PE and 12 women with severe PE. Serum HO-1 levels were measured at 30-34 gestational weeks and 12-14 weeks postpartum., Results: The severe PE group had significantly higher serum HO-1 levels antepartum compared to the mild PE and normotensive groups (5.50 ± 1.54 vs. 3.04 ± 0.72 ng/ml, p=0.0003, and 5.50 ± 1.54 vs. 3.12 ± 1.57 ng/ml, p=0.002, respectively). Serum HO-1 levels decreased significantly postpartum in the normotensive group only (3.12 ± 1.57 vs. 2.00 ± 0.97 ng/ml, p=0.0005). In the severe PE group, HO-1 levels antepartum were positively correlated to mean blood pressure (r=+0.79, p=0.004)., Conclusion: Severe PE is associated with elevated serum HO-1 levels both antepartum and postpartum, suggesting a key role of chronic oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PE and the endothelial dysfunction of these patients later in their life.

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of various regimens and doses of hormone therapy and tibolone on the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). A total of 519 postmenopausal women attending our menopause clinic were studied in a prospective design. Women with climacteric symptoms were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the following regimens: tibolone 2.5 mg, conjugated equine estrogens 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg (CEE/MPA), 17beta-estradiol 2 mg plus norethisterone acetate 1 mg (E2/NETA), or 17beta-estradiol 1 mg plus norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg (low E2/NETA). Serum parameters were assessed at baseline and after 6 months and included total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B. The AIP was assessed as the log (triglycerides [mmol/L]/HDL-C [mmol/L]). CEE/MPA treatment associated with lower mean LDL-C but higher mean triglyceride levels (-15.5 mg/dL +/- 3.6, P = 0.0001; 12.6 mg/dL +/- 4.8, P = 0.01). Furthermore, CEE/MPA treatment resulted in higher AIP levels (0.073 +/- 0.021, P = 0.001). On the contrary, both E2/NETA regimens and tibolone associated with lower mean triglyceride and HDL-C levels (E2/NETA, triglycerides: -9.8 mg/dL +/- 5.0, P = 0.049; HDL-C: -4.9 mg/dL +/- 1.8, P = 0.01, low E2/NETA triglycerides: -12.5 mg/dL +/- 4.1, P = 0.003; HDL-C: -4.7 mg/dL +/- 1.3, P = 0.001; tibolone, triglycerides: -21.9 mg/dL +/- 2.7, P = 0.0001; HDL-C: -12.7 mg/dL +/- 1.1, P = 0.0001). None of the 3 regimens had any effect on AIP. The effect of a particular regimen of hormone therapy on the lipid-lipoprotein profile differs depending on the parameter assessed. The use of unified markers such as AIP will be helpful in evaluating the overall effect of lipid-lipoprotein modulation on the cardiovascular system. In fact, the concurrent assessment of the therapy effect on both LDL-C and AIP may be more dependable in evaluating the cardiovascular impact of a given regimen.