Racial Differences in Reproductive Aging
Author Information
Author(s): Borgogna Joanna-Lynn, Holm Johanna, Ravel Jacques, Brotman Rebecca, Voyich Jovanka, Yeoman Carl, Shardell Michelle
Primary Institution: Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States; University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Hypothesis
Racial/ethnic minorities experience earlier and more intense symptoms of menopause, which may be reflected in vaginal metabolomic profiles.
Conclusion
Post-menopausal participants, especially Black women, show distinct metabolomic profiles and higher levels of certain metabolites linked to epithelial damage and oxidative stress.
Supporting Evidence
- Post-menopausal samples had distinct metabolomic profiles compared to pre- or peri-menopausal samples.
- 548 metabolites were lower in post-menopausal samples.
- Post-menopausal samples had lower concentrations of most micronutrients.
- Metabolites reflecting epithelial damage and oxidative stress were highest in post-menopausal participants.
- Post-menopausal Black participants had the highest levels of certain metabolites.
Takeaway
This study looks at how menopause affects women differently based on their race, finding that some groups have more severe symptoms and different body responses.
Methodology
The study used 16S rRNA gene sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and cytokine profiling to analyze vaginal samples from participants across different reproductive stages.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the underrepresentation of certain racial/ethnic minorities in the sample.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent all racial/ethnic groups due to underrepresentation in reproductive aging studies.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 35-60 years, with 25% being racial/ethnic minorities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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