The Effect of High Fat Intake and Prolonged Estrogen Loss on Cardiovascular Function and the Development of Cardiovascular Disease

Additional Authors

Zoe Chapman, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Lydia Lewis, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Drue Holzen, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world. One of its foremost risk factors is obesity. Abdominal obesity has been found to be a CVD risk factor independent of body mass index (BMI). Perimenopausal and menopausal women bare the greatest risk of acquiring CVD through this route. It is suspected that this is due to estrogen’s role in adipocyte differentiation and the lack thereof during this timeframe. When testing this theory mice were given ovariectomies (OVX) at 2.5 months to simulate menopause and fed a high fat diet (HFD) at 18M post OVX to simulate obesity. Their body weights and blood glucose levels were measured every two weeks and compared to those in the control groups. Findings indicate the most significant weight gain is from both the mice in the OVX+HFD group and mice who still had their ovaries (SHAM). While SHAM mice on the normal diet displayed no significant change, OVX mice on normal diets lost a significant amount of weight, further asserting estrogen’s importance. To determine the effect diets and ovariectomies have on mouse heart function, Pulse Wave Doppler was used to measure blood flow between ventricles. Results from this work are forthcoming. Overall, these studies point towards the importance of long-term estrogen loss on cardiovascular function and how diet can worsen cardiac function.

Start Time

16-4-2025 1:30 PM

End Time

16-4-2025 2:30 PM

Room Number

219

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

UG Orals

Presentation Category

Health and STEM

Faculty Mentor

Cerrone Foster

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Apr 16th, 1:30 PM Apr 16th, 2:30 PM

The Effect of High Fat Intake and Prolonged Estrogen Loss on Cardiovascular Function and the Development of Cardiovascular Disease

219

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world. One of its foremost risk factors is obesity. Abdominal obesity has been found to be a CVD risk factor independent of body mass index (BMI). Perimenopausal and menopausal women bare the greatest risk of acquiring CVD through this route. It is suspected that this is due to estrogen’s role in adipocyte differentiation and the lack thereof during this timeframe. When testing this theory mice were given ovariectomies (OVX) at 2.5 months to simulate menopause and fed a high fat diet (HFD) at 18M post OVX to simulate obesity. Their body weights and blood glucose levels were measured every two weeks and compared to those in the control groups. Findings indicate the most significant weight gain is from both the mice in the OVX+HFD group and mice who still had their ovaries (SHAM). While SHAM mice on the normal diet displayed no significant change, OVX mice on normal diets lost a significant amount of weight, further asserting estrogen’s importance. To determine the effect diets and ovariectomies have on mouse heart function, Pulse Wave Doppler was used to measure blood flow between ventricles. Results from this work are forthcoming. Overall, these studies point towards the importance of long-term estrogen loss on cardiovascular function and how diet can worsen cardiac function.