The Comparison of serum glutathione level between Hypertensive and Normotensive Postmenopausal Women

Background: Blood pressure increases in women after menopause. There is evidences that support the existence of the increased reactive oxygen species levels in hypertension. The glutathione has an important role in cell defense against oxidative stress.The aim of this study was comprising of serum glutathione level between hypertensive and normotensive postmenopausal women. Methods: This research was a case-control study. The samples were selected among patients who had the inclusion criteria. Samples were 39 postmenopausal women with high blood pressure as case group and the control group was chosen among 40 postmenopausal women with normal blood pressure. After filling in the testimonial and the checklist, blood samples were taken for test subjects. Then the glutathione blood levels were measured using the kit and ELISA. Data were analyzed by t- test, F-test and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test at a significant level of 5 percent. Results: There was a significant difference between mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P= 0.029 & P= 0.047, respectively), serum glutathione level (P= 0.045), body mass index (P= 0.041), and weekly exercise less than 30 minutes (P= 0.049) in postmenopausal women with high blood pressure and normal blood pressure. However, no significant differences in age of onset of menopause, the number of children, employment status, and daily consumption of dairy products was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the serum glutathione levels in postmenopausal women with high blood pressure were lower than normal menopausal women.