# Assessing the effects of menopause and obesity on matriptase-2 and neurokinin B concentrations: A cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study explores how menopause and obesity affect the levels of two proteins, matriptase-2 and neurokinin B, in women's blood.

## Contribution

The study is the first to investigate the combined effects of menopause and obesity on serum concentrations of MT2 and NKB.

## Key findings

- Obesity increases MT2 and NKB concentrations in menopausal women.
- Higher BMI correlates with elevated MT2, NKB, and ferritin in menopausal overweight or obese groups.
- Menopausal women have altered levels of NKB and gonadotropins, potentially worsening vasomotor symptoms.

## Abstract

Matriptase-2 (MT2) is implicated in iron metabolism, obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose homeostasis. Neurokinin B (NKB) plays a crucial role in gonadotropin secretion, which is essential for reproduction. The impact of menopause and obesity on MT2 and NKB concentrations remains an enigma. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate how obesity and menopause affect serum concentrations of MT2 and NKB.

In this cross-sectional study, 120 female volunteers were divided into four groups: menopausal overweight, menopausal obese, menopausal normal weight (control), and reproductive normal weight (control). The participants' serum levels of MT2, NKB, iron, ferritin, and relevant biochemical parameters were analysed using the ELISA method.

The mean serum concentrations of NKB, MT2, and ferritin were higher in the menopausal overweight and obese groups (p<0.05). The mean concentrations of NKB, MT2, and estradiol were determined to be higher, and the levels of iron, hemoglobin, glucose, FSH, LH, LDL, and total cholesterol were found to be lower in the reproductive control group when compared with the menopausal control group (p<0.05). A positive correlation was identified between BMI and NKB, MT2, and ferritin concentrations in menopausal overweight and obese groups (p<0.05).

Obesity elevated NKB and MT2 concentrations in menopausal women. The increase in MT2 levels in menopausal overweight or obese women may be one of the factors responsible for the increase in ferritin and body fat ratio. As BMI raised, NKB, MT2, and ferritin concentrations raised in the menopausal overweight or obese groups; therefore, depression of MT2 in obese patients could be beneficial for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, gonadal hormonal changes altered serum concentrations of NKB, and the increase in NKB and gonadotropin levels in menopause may enhance vasomotor symptoms.