Objective The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is associated with the processing of negative emotions. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of mental disorders. We aimed to determine the changes in GABA levels in the ACC of perimenopausal women with depression. Methods We recruited 120 perimenopausal women, who were followed up for 18–24 months. After reaching menopause, the participants were divided into a control group ( n = 71), an anxiety group ( n = 30), and a depression group ( n = 19). The participants were examined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). TARQUIN software was used to calculate the GABA concentrations in the ACC before and after menopause. The relationship of the GABA levels with the patients’ scores on the 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Scale and 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale was determined. Results GABA decreased with time. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower in the depression group than in the anxiety group and were significantly lower in both these groups than in the normal group. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower than the premenopausal levels in the normal, anxiety, and depression groups ( P = 0.014, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The premenopausal GABA levels did not significantly differ between the normal vs. anxiety group ( P = 0.907), normal vs. depression group ( P = 0.495), and anxiety vs. depression group. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower in the depression group than in the anxiety group and were significantly lower in both these groups than in the normal group, normal vs. anxiety group ( P = 0.022), normal vs. depression group ( P < 0.001), and anxiety vs. depression group ( P = 0.047). Conclusion Changes in GABA concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex are related with the pathophysiological mechanism and symptoms of perimenopausal depression.

Introduction To study the effects of aerobic exercise on lipid metabolism, endothelial function, and oxidative stress reaction in postmenopausal women, in order to prevent and control atherosclerosis. Methods Thirty-two women with natural menopause were randomly divided into an exercise group and a control group. Participants in the exercise group (n = 16) took part in a 3-month aerobic training program according to their exercise prescription, while participants in the control group (n = 16) maintained their usual lifestyles. Lipids, endothelial function, and oxidative stress-related indicators were measured before and after the intervention. Results After 3 months of aerobic training at an intensity of 50-60% of cardiorespiratory fitness, serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly (P < 0.01). A significant reduction in endothelin (P < 0.01) and a significant increase in nitric oxide (P < 0.05) were also observed. The training intervention also delayed the increase in homocysteine and cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3 in postmenopausal women. Conclusions Aerobic exercise had a positive effect on blood lipids, endothelial function, and oxidative stress of postmenopausal women, and these changes may mitigate the risk of atherosclerosis occurrence. Similar exercise programs could be used as a primary atherosclerosis prevention strategy for postmenopausal women.