Exploring Glycocalyx shedding markers: A comparative analysis of plasma markers among premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Abstract

The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) is a protein‐rich, hairlike structure covering the luminal surface of endothelial cells, vital for vascular health. Aging and cardiovascular disease (CVD) can compromise eGC integrity, potentially preceding conventional indicators of vascular dysfunction such as reduced endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and increased arterial stiffness. SDC‐1 and HS are key glycosaminoglycans and validated plasma biomarkers reflecting glycocalyx integrity. During menopause the decline in estrogen, a vascular‐protective hormone, has been linked to increased glycocalyx degradation and decreased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis contributing to endothelial dysfunction. This study examined glycocalyx degradation in premenopausal females versus postmenopausal females (early and late stages). Resting plasma samples from premenopausal ( n  = 11), early‐postmenopausal ( n  = 12) and late‐postmenopausal women ( n  = 13) were analyzed via ELISA for SDC‐1 and HS. Late postmenopausal females had significantly higher mean plasma HS concentrations compared to early postmenopausal and premenopausal groups (4049.9 ± 1595.4 vs. 3919.0 ± 999.2, 2986.4 ± 1493.7 ng/mL, p  = 0.003). Conversely, SDC‐1 levels were higher in premenopausal women ( p  = 0.036). No correlations were observed between these biomarkers and flow‐mediated dilation (all, p  > 0.05). Overall, results suggest eGC integrity varies across reproductive stages, emphasizing the need for further research into mechanisms and interventions to preserve vascular health in aging females.