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Effect of very low LDL-cholesterol on cortisol synthesis

K Sezer1, R Emral, D Corapcioglu

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Mersin University, School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey. keremsezer@mersin.edu.tr

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|February 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Very low LDL-cholesterol levels (<70 mg/dl) did not impact adrenal axis function, as measured by cortisol response to ACTH stimulation. Intensive statin therapy appears safe for steroidal hormone production.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is a leading global cause of mortality.
  • Statin therapy is widely used for managing high LDL-cholesterol.
  • The impact of intensive statin treatment on steroidal hormone function remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of very low LDL-cholesterol levels (<70 mg/dl) on serum cortisol concentrations.
  • To assess the influence of intensive statin treatment on adrenal axis function.

Main Methods:

  • A study group of 41 patients with LDL-cholesterol <70 mg/dl was compared to 38 healthy controls.
  • Adrenal axis function was evaluated using a 1 microg ACTH stimulation test.
  • Serum cortisol levels were measured at basal, 30, and 60 minutes post-ACTH administration.

Main Results:

  • Patients had significantly lower serum cholesterol and LDL levels compared to controls (58 vs. 131 mg/dl).
  • No statistically significant differences in cortisol response to ACTH stimulation were observed between groups.
  • Atorvastatin treatment was generally well-tolerated.

Conclusions:

  • Achieving serum LDL-cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dl does not appear to impair adrenal axis function.
  • Intensive statin therapy, leading to very low LDL-C, is unlikely to negatively affect cortisol synthesis.
Abstract

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