The Effects of Raloxifene on Serum Lipid Profiles, C-Reactive Protein and Homocysteine Levels in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: To investigate the effects of raloxifene on serum lipid profiles and C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: A single center, longitudinal, open-labeled, uncontrolled study was performed with 64 postmenopausal women with the mean age 56.53 +/- 6.92 years. Patients received daily 60 mg of raloxifene for 6 months. Serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), C-reactive protein and homocysteine were measured at basal and 6th month of therapy. Results: Raloxifene significantly lowered serum levels of total cholesterol (-3.4%), LDL cholesterol (-11.2%) and lipoprotein (a) (-3.4%) levels. HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly by 11.1%. However, there was no significant change on triglycerides. Serum inflammation marker homocysteine significantly decreased by 21% with raloxifene, but no change in the C-reactive protein levels was observed. Discussion: Raloxifene treatment for 6 months favorably alters cardiac risk factor levels by decreasing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), and homocysteine and by increasing HDL cholesterol without changing triglyceride and C-reactive protein levels significantly.