Evaluation of racial differences in resting and postprandial endothelial function in postmenopausal women matched for age, fitness and body composition.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated endothelial function at rest and after a high-fat meal challenge in African American (AA) and Caucasian postmenopausal women matched for age, body mass index, percent fat and fitness level.

DESIGN

Pilot study.

SETTING

University of Virginia General Clinical Research Center.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight AA and 8 Caucasian postmenopausal women.

INTERVENTION

PARTICIPANTS underwent a VO2 peak treadmill protocol, percent fat assessment, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation measurements (baseline and 4 hours following a high-fat meal).

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Baseline and postprandial flow mediated dilation (FMD) following a high-fat meal.

RESULTS

FMD values were similar in AA (5.4%, 95% CI: 3.3, 7.4) and Caucasian women (4.0%, 95% CI: 2.0, 6.1). There was no significant change in FMD from baseline to four hours following the meal challenge within groups (AA: .9%, P = .397, Caucasian: 2.3%, P = .063) or between groups (P = .449), despite a significant increase in triglycerides (AA: 81.8 mg/dL, P < .001, Caucasian: 99.7 mg/dL, P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

The present pilot study found that when postmenopausal AA and Caucasian women are matched for age, fitness and body composition, reported racial differences in resting endothelial function were not observed. Additionally, there were no racial differences in postprandial endothelial function or metabolism following a high-fat meal.