Comparison of oestrogen and complex hormonal therapy impact on selected functions of neutrophils in peripheral blood

Many studies confirm the anti-oxidative effect of oestrogens used in menopausal HT. But it is still a controversial issue and its molecular mechanism is still not well known. There is also still the question whether the progestin component of hormonal therapy has an influence on the oxidative effect of the oestrogen component. Aim of study: Comparison of oestrogen only and complex hormonal therapy effect in postmenopausal women on generation of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils in peripheral blood. Material and methods: 88 postmenopausal women were included in the study. In group I of women (42 patients) after hysterectomy oral hormonal therapy containing 1 mg of 17b-oestradiol was applied. In group II (46 patients) oral complex continuous HT based on 1 mg 17b-oestradiol and 0.5 mg noretisterone acetate (NETA) was used. Anti-oxidative effect of HT in both groups was evaluated by comparison of reactive oxygen species generation by neutrophils of peripheral blood using chemiluminescence measurement. Measurements were obtained before HT application and after 3 and 6 months of this treatment. Results: Areas under curves and maximal energy values of spontaneous chemiluminescence and stimulated neutrophils show no differences between groups. Conclusion: Progestins used in complex therapy in postmenopausal women do not decrease the anti-oxidative effect of oestrogens.