Effect of Serum Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] in Menopausal Women

The behavior of LP during the menopausal trinities and their relationship with sex hormones and body fat distribution is still unclear. The aim of this case control study was to estimate the serum lipoprotein (a) in postmenopausal women and women in reproductive age group and comparison of the above mention serum lipids between the two groups and was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Dhaka, in co-operation with the Department of Immunology, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), Dhaka from July-2005 to June 2006. A total number of 70 women were selected. Selected women were grouped as Group A and Group B. In Group A 30 postmenopausal women were selected with age range 55-70 years. In Group B, 40 women within reproductive age were selected. Group B was again divided into two groups - Group B1 & Group B2 according to their ages. In Group B1 20 women were selected with age range 25-35 years, and in Group B2 another 20 women were selected with age range 36-45 years. Serum lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a) and lipid profile of all groups were measured. Mean sLp(a) concentration were compared between groups by" Mann Whitney U" test. Mean concentrations of every individual components of lipid profile (sTAG, sTc, sLDL & sHDL) were compared with different groups. sLp(a) concentration of Group A compared to Group B1 was found to be significantly higher (p<0.001). In the same way mean serum Lp(a) concentration of Group A compared to Group B2 was also significantly higher (p<0.001). Mean sLp(a) concentration of B1 compared B2 did not differ significantly. Mean values of lipid profiles were slightly elevated in Group A compared to Group B1 and Group B2 except sHDL-c level. Mean concentrations HDL-c was significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B1 and Group B2. Thus the present study has revealed that there is increased Lp(a) in menopause & decreased HDL in menopause.