Related Experiment Videos
The HDL2/HDL3 ratio in menopause
T Ushiroyama1, K Sakuma, A Ikeda
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan. gyn003@poh.osaka-med.ac.jp
Summary
Menopause influences the HDL2/HDL3 ratio, particularly with hypertriglyceridemia. Postmenopausal women with elevated triglycerides show an increased HDL2/HDL3 ratio, potentially raising coronary heart disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Menopause is associated with adverse lipid profile changes.
- Hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- The role of HDL subfractions in menopause requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of menopausal status on the HDL2/HDL3 ratio.
- To examine the association between the HDL2/HDL3 ratio and hypertriglyceridemia.
- To assess potential links to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fasting blood samples from 607 patients.
- Determination of triglycerides (TG) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) using enzymatic methods.
- Measurement of HDL2 and HDL3 subfractions via ultracentrifugation.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was observed between the HDL2/HDL3 ratio and TG in both pre- and postmenopausal women.
- No significant differences in HDL subfractions were found between menopausal groups without hypertriglyceridemia.
- Postmenopausal women with hypertriglyceridemia exhibited a significantly higher HDL2/HDL3 ratio compared to their premenopausal counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Menopausal status, in conjunction with elevated triglyceride levels, increases the HDL2/HDL3 ratio.
- These alterations in HDL subfractions may contribute to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
- Understanding these lipid profile changes is crucial for cardiovascular risk assessment in menopausal women.