Association between depressive symptoms, serum levels of vitamin D and IL-6 in postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome: a clinical and cross-sectional study

• Grant number: 24/23380-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Cláudio Lera Orsatti
• Grantee: Gabriela Torres Pinheiro
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/17306-7 - The role of Heat Shock Protein 27 in climateric women: a clinical, analytical and cross-sectional study, AP.R

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women and may be associated with increased inflammatory levels and changes in emotional status. Studies indicate that vitamin D and IL-6 play important roles in mental health and inflammation, but the interactions between these factors in postmenopausal women have not been sufficiently explored. The main objective of this study is to investigate the association between depressive symptoms, serum levels of vitamin D, and interleukin-6 in postmenopausal women, considering the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, the study seeks to understand how these factors are interconnected, taking into account potential confounding variables. Postmenopausal women will be recruited and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), while metabolic syndrome will be diagnosed according to the criteria established by NCEP-ATPIII. Serology for vitamin D and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as clinical and anthropometric exams, will be performed on all participants. Demographic data, medical history, lifestyle, and medication use will be collected through interviews and structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including linear regression and models adjusting for confounding variables, will be used to evaluate the association. It is expected to find an association between depressive symptoms and changes in serum levels of vitamin D and IL-6 in postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, it is anticipated that these associations will remain significant after adjusting for confounding variables. These results may provide important findings on the interaction between mental health, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women.