New Approaches for the Prevention and Reduction of Metabolic Disease in Menopausal Women

As women age, they experience menopause. Both spontaneous or surgically-induced menopause (caused by removal of the ovaries) is accompanied by rapid hormonal changes, which can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The resulting dysregulation of lipid metabolism affects various aspects of energy metabolism such as body fat mass, fat free mass, fatty acid metabolism, basal metabolic rate, and obesity. Alterations in lipid metabolism and excess adipose tissue affect the synthesis of excess fatty acids, adipocytokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species, inducing lipid peroxidation and leading to insulin resistance, abdominal steatosis, and dyslipidemia. In particular, estrogen deficiency can trigger a chronic inflammatory state, including increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, impaired Treg/Th17 cell balance, and impaired osteogenic differentiation capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Inadequate bone formation by osteoblasts derived from BMSCs to compensate for bone resorption by osteoblasts is a major cause of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

The prevalence of metabolic diseases and osteoporosis increase post-menopause due to hormonal changes, and can elicit adverse health effects. For example, in Iran, half of the population of postmenopausal women have been reported to suffer from metabolic syndrome; 62.6% of menopausal women experienced metabolic syndrome, with occurrence being higher in older and obese women. Furthermore, bone loss is often aggravated by the side-effects of drugs intended to treat various metabolic conditions.

There is a therefore a need for more research on the mechanisms of various metabolic diseases, their prevention, and development of treatments that minimize side effects, including research on nutrients and food-derived compounds. In addition, research on bone regeneration and recovery of reproductive function without side effects through the latest autologous stem cell transplantation research is an important aspect to consider, including relating to estrogen deficiency.

This Research Topic will therefore welcome original research and review articles covering themes including but not limited to:
• Metabolic disorders in postmenopausal women;
• Postmenopausal osteoporosis, bone remodelling, and alterations in bone metabolism, and strategies for prevention and treatment that minimize side-effects of current therapies;
• Beneficial nutrients and food-derived compounds for metabolic disorder in postmenopausal women;
• Autologous adipose-derived stem cell therapy for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis;
• Beneficial effects of diets and nutrients on menopausal symptoms e.g. vasomotor symptoms, cognitive function and quality of life in postmenopausal women;
• Dietary factors and reduction of disease risk in postmenopausal women (including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer)