Arch Gynecol Obstet (2007) 275:361–365 DOI 10.1007/s00404-006-0269-1 123 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Malon dialdehyde, nitrite and adrenomedullin levels in patients with premenstrual syndrome Ozcan Balat · Ebru Dikensoy · Mete Gurol Ugur · Rusen Atmaca · Mustafa Cekmen · Muhuttin Yurekli Received: 13 August 2006 / Accepted: 28 September 2006 / Published online: 25 October 2006  Springer-Verlag 2006 Abstract Objective To assess the levels of malon dialdehyde (MDA); a lipid peroxide product, total nitrite; a stabile product of nitric oxide (NO), and adrenomedulin (AM), to determine whether their levels are altered in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and to search for their possible pathophysiological role in this peculiar syn- drome. Study design Twenty-one patients aged between 28 and 37 years, who had regular menses for at least six previous cycles, and were in general good health condi- tion, were taken into the study. Blood samples were obtained from each patient at the 3rd and 21st day of their menstrual cycles. AM, nitrite, MDA and estradiol levels have been assessed in these samples for each patient. Results No statistically signiWcant diVerence in terms of age, parity and body mass index was detected among groups (P > 0.05). Nitric oxide levels were higher on the 3rd day, compared to 21st day in the study group, and this diVerence was statistically signiW- cant (P < 0.05). In the study group, 21st day AM levels were signiWcantly higher when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Even though various stress symptoms are present in PMS, there is no change in the levels of MDA, an oxidative distress indicator but AM and NO may have a pathophysiological role on this enigmatic disease. Keywords Premenstrual syndrome · Nitric oxide · Adrenomedullin · Malon dialdehyde Introduction Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most com- mon complaints of women of reproductive age charac- terized by breast tenderness, weight gain, headache, diarrhea and mood changes that are observed after mid-luteal phase of menstrual cycle. DiYculty in con- centration, irritability, and anxiety are only a few symptoms of emotional and mental disturbances of these women. More than 90% of women had one or more of those signs and symptoms that aVect their daily activities and social relations [1]. Since Wrst described by Frank in 1931 [2], many theories have been forwarded concerning its etiology. However, till date, there has not been one single O. Balat · E. Dikensoy (&) · M. G. Ugur Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, 27310 Sahinbey, Gaziantep, Turkey e-mail: dikensoy@yahoo.com R. Atmaca Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey M. Cekmen Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey M. Yurekli Department of Molecular Biology, Art and Science Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey