Abstract
Background: The prevalence of cardio-metabolic disorders is highest among the elderly population and homocysteine (Hcy) is considered as a major risk factor. Vascular aging in women is exacerbated by reproductive aging in response to hormonal changes during the menopause. The present study assessed the levels of Hcy, Vitamin B12, folate, and examined their association with metabolic syndrome risk factors in menopausal women.

Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to examine the levels of Hcy, Vitamin B12, and folate and their association with various components of metabolic syndrome in menopausal women.

Materials and Methods: We recruited a total of 300 women between 35 and 64 year from Bharati Hospital, Pune. They were classified into pre, peri, and post-menopausal groups according to their menstrual history.

Results: Lower Vitamin B12 and folic acid and higher Hcy concentrations were found in peri and post-menopausal women as compared to premenopausal women. Women with metabolic syndrome showed lower micronutrients and higher Hcy compared to those without metabolic syndrome. An inverse association of Vitamin B12 with waist circumference (WC), diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides and HOMA-IR and inverse association of folate with fasting glucose and HOMA-IR were observed. A positive association of Hcy with WC, fasting glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and HOMA-IR was also seen. In a logistic regression model, metabolic syndrome was found to be independently associated with age and Hcy.

Conclusion: This study reports elevated Hcy and low micronutrient levels in postmenopausal women. Hcy was found to be independently associated with metabolic syndrome risk in these women. Monitoring plasma Hcy concentrations with adequate B vitamin stores could be an effective strategy to minimize metabolic syndrome risk in middle aged women.

Key words: Homocysteine; Metabolic Syndrome; Postmenopausal Women