Postmenopausal Hormone, Hematology and Immune Modulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Luma Qasim Ali ¹, Firas Salih Abdulhadi ¹, Ban Talib El-Haboby ¹, Jamela Jouda 1^*

This research determined the significant hematological, hormonal, and immunological changes in postmenopausal women with RA or SLE in compared to controls. This investigation had a high potential for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract

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Background: There is a significant hormonal shift in Postmenopausal women with low levels of estrogen and progesterone. These changes may cause the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which exhibit a higher prevalence in women. It is crucial to determine the pathophysiology and treatment strategies and to understand the hematological, hormonal, and immunological differences in postmenopausal women with RA and SLE. This study determined the hematological, hormonal, and immunological parameters in postmenopausal RA and SLE patients. Methods: 75 postmenopausal women (aged 52-65 years) were recruited in this study, comprising 25 with RA, 25 with SLE, and 25 with healthy controls. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum hormone and immunoglobulin assays. Statistical analyses were conducted using Fisher's test, t-test, and ANOVA, with significance at p < 0.05. Results: In postmenopausal RA and SLE patients, significant blood parameter differences were observed versus controls. RA showed elevated WBC count (18.189±0.782) and PLT (373.778±14.644), lower RBC (4.009±0.149) and Hb (11.705±0.328). SLE had lower WBC (3.016±0.595), RBC (4.293±0.112), and Hb (12.270±0.312), and higher RDW (18.830±1.719) and lower MPV (8.327±0.314). Hormonal differences included higher FSH and lower LH, estrogen, and testosterone in both groups, while RA exhibited decreased cortisol and increased progesterone, and both diseases showed elevated rheumatoid factor (RF), ESR, and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with RA and SLE showed distinct hematological, hormonal, and immunological profiles compared to healthy controls. This study demonstrated the complex interplay between hormonal changes and autoimmune diseases, warranting further investigation into their underlying mechanisms and potential implications for treatment strategies.

Keywords: CBC, Cortisol, IgE, Postmenopausal, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Hormonal changes, Hematological parameters

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