Increase in plasma high-density lipoprotein concentration following complete androgen blockage in men with prostatic...

There is evidence that endogenous estrogens have a positive effect on plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration, whereas the relation between HDL and male sex hormones is unclear, since both positive and negative effects have been reported. This study examined the effects of LHRH agonist in combination with an antiandrogen on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in 17 elderly men with prostatic carcinoma. Subjects were examined prior to and after therapy at 4-week intervals up to 16 weeks. Prior to therapy, their lipid and lipoprotein profiles were not significantly different from a control group composed of individuals of similar age and living in the same community area. Following therapy plasma levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were markedly decreased (above 90%) and their residual activity neutralized through effective use of an antiandrogen. Plasma estradiol decreased between 65% and 85% and the concentration of cortisol was unaffected. The very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apo-B decreased and low density lipoprotein (LDL) apo-B increased; thus, no change was observed in the total plasma apo-B levels. Total plasma cholesterol increased by 6% (baseline v peak values, mg/dL, mean +/- SEM; 219 +/- 9 v 233 +/- 9, P less than 0.05) due to a significant rise in HDL cholesterol concentration (45.5 +/- 2.8 v 56.5 +/- 3.6, P less than 0.01). Both VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels remained unchanged. The mean elevation of 21% in HDL cholesterol was accompanied by a significant rise in HDL apo-A concentration (161 +/- 6 v 193 +/- 10, P less than 0.01), thus suggesting an increase in HDL mass and/or particle number.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)