Elevated serum fluoride levels in perimenopausal women are related to the components of metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Increased fluoride levels can lead to numerous complications, including skeletal effects, cardiotoxicity, endocrine dysfunction, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between serum fluoride levels and MetS or its individual components, and to assess the diagnostic usefulness of fluoride as a factor contributing to MetS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a group of 475 women (mean age of 52.9 years), living in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The study involved data collection and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of the relationship between the levels of fluoride and the presence of MetS or its components showed that the mean fluoride level was statistically significantly higher in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (dCohen = 0.39; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.13, 0.63) and hypertension (dCohen = 0.25; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.07, 0.44). Moreover, the mean fluoride level was significantly higher in women who met the diagnostic criteria for MetS than in the remaining subjects (dCohen = 0.40; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.17, 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum fluoride levels may be associated with an increased incidence of MetS among perimenopasal women, although its diagnostic value as a marker of MetS is limited.