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Effect on lipid metabolism of a biphasic desogestrel-containing oral contraceptive: divergent changes in
H Kuhl1, W März, C Jung-Hoffmann
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Contraception
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study on oral contraceptives found that while HDL increased, triglycerides and VLDL significantly rose, indicating potential cardiovascular risks. Estrogen
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Lipid Metabolism
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oral contraceptives (OCs) can influence lipid metabolism.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a low-dose biphasic OC on lipid metabolism in women.
- To compare lipid profiles during and after OC treatment.
Main Methods:
- 19 women were treated with a biphasic OC for 6 cycles.
- Lipid profiles were measured during pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment cycles.
Main Results:
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) components increased reversibly.
- Total triglycerides (TG), VLDL-TG, and LDL-TG rose continuously (>100%).
- VLDL-cholesterol (CH) and apolipoprotein B increased, while apolipoprotein E decreased.
Conclusions:
- The estrogen component of the OC appears to dominate its effects on lipid metabolism.
- Enhanced removal of apolipoprotein E-containing remnants may mitigate atherosclerosis risk despite increased TG and VLDL synthesis.