Changes of plasma lipid metabolism in males during estrogen treatment for prostatic carcinoma

Fourteen patients with prostatic carcinoma were treated with 1.0-0.5 mg ethinyl estradiol orally daily and 160-80 mg polyestradiol phosphate im monthly. Lipid concentrations were determined in plasma and the high density lipoprotein fraction, and the plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyl transfer rate was measured before and 1 and 6 months after the start of therapy. During treatment, the concentration of total cholesterol was unchanged while there was a 60% increase of high density lipoprotein-total cholesterol. Triglyceride (TG) concentration increased 40%, indicating an augmented level of very low density lipoprotein concentration. The plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyl transfer rate increase 20-35%, indicating that an increased rate of production and turnover of TG, cholesteryl esters, and very low density lipoproteins probably was a main cause of the elevated TG concentration. The potential effects on the development of atherosclerosis by the plasma lipid changes during estrogen treatment are discussed.