Evaluation of atherosclerosis-related biomarkers during perimenopause: A prospective cohort study in women with endometriosis

Aim: Endometriosis is linked to asymptomatic atherosclerosis and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vascular function tests are used to assess atherosclerosis, an important indicator of CVD development. In this study, we aimed to evaluate atherosclerosis-related biomarkers, such as vascular function tests and laboratory data, in perimenopausal women with endometriosis. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 207 women (≥40 years old) with endometriosis. Laboratory data, ankle brachial index (ABI), and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) were evaluated. Results: The mean age, CAVI, and ABI of the participants at the initial examination were 45.02 years, 6.9 ± 0.6, and 1.07 ± 0.06, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, no factor was associated with CAVI, but ABI was significantly correlated with elevated total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and estradiol (partial regression coefficient [β]=−0.00074, p=0.017; β=−0.00075, p=0.033; and β=−0.00022, p=0.015, respectively). The annual rate of change in CAVI showed a positive correlation with TC and pentosidine and a negative correlation with history of hormone therapy. Neither correlation was strong. In a comparison of three groups classified by the annual rate of change in CAVI, the group with the severe change had a higher level of pentosidine. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, high pentosidine levels were a risk factor for increased rate of change in CAVI. Conclusions: The association between CAVI and serum markers related to lipid metabolism and ovarian function was mild. Longitudinal analysis of CAVI showed an association with pentosidine, which may be helpful in assessing atherosclerosis risk in women with endometriosis during perimenopause.