Effects of estrogen on glutathione and catalase levels in human erythrocyte during menstrual cycle

The present study evaluated the effects of physiological serum estrogen during the menstrual cycle on glutathione (GSH) and catalase activities. The sample included 43 healthy females between the ages of 22 and 51 years. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the stage of the menstrual cycle. Group A consisted of 16 samples extracted between days 10 and 20 from the first day of menstruation when estrogen levels were considered to be at their highest. Group B consisted of 27 samples extracted during other times of the estimated 30 days of menstruation. Data showed that the estrogen level in group A (184+/-106 pg/ml) was higher than that in group B (105+/-56 pg/ml) (P<0.01). The GSH and catalase levels in group A (4.4+/-2.3 mu g/mg and 210+/-72 IU/mg, respectively) were also significantly higher compared to the levels in group B (3.2+/-1.8 mu g/mg and 168+/-62 IU/mg, respectively) (P<0.05). Spearman's rank correlation showed that the expression of catalase in red blood cells significantly correlated with serum estrogen level but not with GSH. However, the changes in estrogen plasma levels, erythrocyte GSH level and catalase activity suggested that the consumption of GSH and catalase in erythrocyte during the menstrual cycle may be associated with the level of estrogen present in the bloodstream.