The impact of hypertriglyceridemia on prostate cancer development in patients aged ≥60 years

•  To investigate the relationship between serum triglyceride (TG) levels and the incidence and characteristics of prostate cancer detected on biopsy.

•  We evaluated data from consecutive patients who underwent prostatic biopsy. Data analysed included age, total serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, prostatic volume, body mass index (BMI), TG levels, and cholesterol-lowering medications.

•  We analysed data from 905 patients, including 528 (58.3%) with positive biopsy findings. •  Using 150 mg/dL as the threshold point of TG levels, multivariate analysis yielded an adjusted odds ratio (OR) reflecting the association of higher TG levels with prostate cancer diagnosis of 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-2.29, P = 0.002). •  Pearson correlation coefficient analysis including age, PSA level, prostatic volume, BMI and TG, showed TG level significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0.185, P < 0.001). •  In the analysis by age intervals (≤59, 60-69, and ≥70 years), the association between high TG levels and positive biopsy findings was enhanced in the age groups 60-69 and ≥70 years (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.31-3.37, P = 0.002 and OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.03-3.53, P = 0.039, respectively), but not in the group aged ≤59 years. •  In patients aged ≥60 years, high TG levels were statistically significantly associated with a Gleason score of ≥8.

•  High TG levels correlated well with a higher incidence of prostate cancer, especially in patients aged ≥60 years. •  High TG levels were also associated with a Gleason score of ≥8 in this age group. •  Our results suggest that elderly patients with high TG levels may be more vulnerable to the development of prostate cancer with an aggressive biology.