Effects of intranasal 17β-estradiol and raloxifene on lipid profile and fibrinogen in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Aim. To compare the effects of 17β-estradiol given intranasally (intranasal E₂) and raloxifene on serum lipid profile and fibrinogen in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women.

Methods. The study population consisted of 46 women after menopause. The placebo group (n = 11) was given calcium, while the intervention groups were given intranasal E₂ (Aerodiol®; Servier, Chambray-les-Tours, France) (n = 16) or raloxifene (Evista®; Lilly SA, Madrid, Spain) (n = 19). Blood lipids and fibrinogen were compared between groups at baseline and after 3 months of treatment.

Results. The group receiving intranasal E₂ showed a significant decrease in triglyceride levels (p<0.05) and a marked increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p<0.05). No changes in lipid profile were observed in the raloxifene and placebo groups. Raloxifene caused a significant decrease in fibrinogen levels (p<0.05).

Conclusion. Intranasal E₂ exerts significant effects on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women. Raloxifene has a greater impact on fibrinogen than intranasal E₂ application.

Keywords:

• Fibrinogen
• hypercholesterolemia
• menopause
• raloxifene
• intranasal 17β-estradiol