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Understanding the inflammatory markers associated with the menopause transition is crucial for managing patient health. Recent research has explored IL-38 and menopause symptoms to identify potential biomarkers for vasomotor symptoms (VMS). While various cytokines have been investigated previously, the specific roles of IL-26 and IL-38 remained unclear until this study.
A cross-sectional study involving 168 patients evaluated the serum levels of IL-26 and IL-38 across three distinct groups. These groups included premenopausal women, postmenopausal women without VMS, and postmenopausal women with VMS. Consequently, researchers aimed to determine if these interleukins could predict the severity or presence of symptoms during the menopausal transition.
The study results revealed that while IL-26 levels showed no significant variation between groups, IL-38 levels were notably higher in women experiencing vasomotor symptoms. Specifically, the odds of experiencing these symptoms increased by 1% for every 1 ng/L rise in IL-38. Furthermore, the duration of menopause played a significant role, as women with VMS typically had a shorter menopausal duration compared to those without symptoms. This suggest that the early postmenopausal period is a high-risk window for systemic inflammation.
Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in interleukin levels when simply comparing premenopausal and postmenopausal status. This suggests that IL-38 specifically relates to the symptomatic experience of VMS rather than the hormonal transition itself. Therefore, higher IL-38 levels may serve as an indicator of the inflammatory processes underlying hot flashes and night sweats. These insights provide a foundation for further research into targeted therapies for menopausal discomfort.
IL-38 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that appears to be elevated in women experiencing vasomotor symptoms, suggesting it may play a role in the body's inflammatory response to menopausal changes.
According to recent findings, IL-26 levels do not show a significant difference between premenopausal and postmenopausal women, nor do they correlate significantly with the presence of vasomotor symptoms.
Research indicates that women with a shorter menopausal duration are more likely to report vasomotor symptoms compared to those who have been postmenopausal for a longer period.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.
References
Can S et al. The role of IL-26 and IL-38 levels on menopause and vasomotor symptoms: a cross-sectional study. Ginekol Pol. 2026 Jun 09. doi: 10.5603/gpl.104806. PMID: 42261732.
Yuan F, et al. Interleukin-38: A Novel Cytokine in Inflammation and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol. 2021.
Monteleone P, et al. Inflammation and menopause: a review. Ital J Gynaecol Obstet. 2023.
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A cross-sectional study finds higher IL-38 levels are significantly associated with vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women....
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