Navigating the Proteomic Landscape of Menopause: A Review

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Proteomics encompasses the exploration of protein composition, regulation, function, and pathways. Its influence spans diverse clinical fields and holds promise in addressing various women’s health conditions, including cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disorders. However, no comprehensive summary of proteomics and menopausal health exists. Our objective was to summarize proteomic profiles associated with diseases and disorders in peri- and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane database, Elsevier, and ScienceDirect until 2022. A total of 253 studies were identified, and 41 studies met the inclusion criteria to identify data of interest. These included the study design, disease, and proteomics/proteins of significance, as described by the authors. Results: The 41 studies covered diverse areas, including bone disorders (10 studies), cardiovascular diseases (5 studies), oncological malignancies (10 studies), and various conditions, such as obesity, nonalcoholic liver disease, the effects of hormone replacement therapy, and neurological diseases (16 studies). The results of our study indicate that proteomic profiles correlate with heart disease in peri- and postmenopausal women, with distinct sex differences. Furthermore, proteomic profiles significantly differ between women with and without osteoporosis. Additionally, patients with breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer exhibit notable variations in proteomic profiles compared to those without these conditions. Conclusions: Proteomics has the potential to enhance risk assessment and disease monitoring in peri- and postmenopausal women. By analyzing unique protein profiles, clinicians can identify individuals with heightened susceptibility to specific diseases or those already affected by established conditions. This review suggests that there is sufficient preliminary data related to proteomics in peri- and postmenopausal women for early identification of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancers, disease monitoring, and tailoring individualized therapies. Rigorous validation studies involving large populations are essential before drawing definitive conclusions regarding the clinical applicability of proteomic findings.