Aziz, N., Abed, M. (2026). Associations of Combined Oral Contraceptive Use with Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Alterations. , (), 140-146. doi: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.170359.1197
Noor H. Aziz; Mohammed N. Abed. "Associations of Combined Oral Contraceptive Use with Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Alterations". , , , 2026, 140-146. doi: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.170359.1197
Aziz, N., Abed, M. (2026). 'Associations of Combined Oral Contraceptive Use with Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Alterations', , (), pp. 140-146. doi: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.170359.1197
Aziz, N., Abed, M. Associations of Combined Oral Contraceptive Use with Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Alterations. , 2026; (): 140-146. doi: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.170359.1197

Associations of Combined Oral Contraceptive Use with Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Alterations

Iraqi Journal of Pharmacy
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 27 May 2026    PDF (650.76 K)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.170359.1197
Authors
Noor H. Aziz; Mohammed N. Abed*
Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
Abstract
Background: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are the most common method of contraception as well as a management tool for various gynecological conditions. The impact of COCs on oxidative stress and inflammatory status is still to be clarified. Aim: To evaluate the biochemical indicators of oxidative stress and inflammation in COC users. Methods: A total of 93 women (43 COC users and 50 non-users) were enrolled in this comparative observational study. Serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined. Metabolic parameters and lipid profile were also examined. Results: Levels of hsCRP and TNF-α in COC users were significantly higher as compared to non-users (p<0.001), whereas the IL-6 levels were comparable between two groups. There was a significant increase in MDA levels and a decrease in SOD activity in COC users (p<0.05). However, TAC was not significantly different. Moreover, COC users had significantly higher glucose level and a worse lipid profile, with higher atherogenic indices (p<0.01). The duration of COC use was positively associated with inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and negatively with antioxidant parameters. Conclusion: Increased oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and unfavorable metabolic alterations may be linked to COC use, and such associations could probably be intensified with longer duration of use; therefore, it is advised to monitor women who are using COC for long period; specially those at higher risk of cardiometabolic disease.
Keywords
Contraceptives; Oxidative Stress; Inflammation; C-Reactive Protein; Lipid
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