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Nandrolone decanoate reduces serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations in hemodialysis patients
J L Teruel1, M A Lasuncion, M Rivera
1Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Nandrolone decanoate treatment for anemia in hemodialysis patients significantly lowered lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels. Lipid profile changes, including decreased HDL cholesterol, were reversible after treatment cessation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Anemia is a common complication in chronic hemodialysis patients.
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids, like nandrolone decanoate, have been explored for treating anemia in this population.
- The impact of nandrolone decanoate on lipid profiles in hemodialysis patients requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nandrolone decanoate treatment on the lipid profile of chronic hemodialysis patients.
- To assess changes in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and other lipid parameters.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month treatment cycle of weekly intramuscular nandrolone decanoate (200 mg) was administered to 14 chronic hemodialysis patients.
- Lipid profiles, including Lp(a), HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides, were monitored before, during, and after treatment.
- Statistical analyses (ANOVA, Friedman test) were used to evaluate significant changes.
Main Results:
- Nandrolone decanoate significantly increased hemoglobin levels (7.9 to 10.8 g/dL).
- A significant decrease in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] was observed (from 19.8 mg/dL median to 7.1 mg/dL).
- Other changes included increased apolipoprotein B, decreased HDL cholesterol (primarily HDL2 subfraction), while triglycerides and apolipoprotein A-I showed non-significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Nandrolone decanoate effectively treats anemia in hemodialysis patients and favorably impacts lipid profiles, notably reducing Lp(a).
- The observed lipid modifications, including decreased HDL cholesterol, were reversible upon treatment withdrawal.
- The distinct changes in Lp(a) suggest independent mechanisms, warranting further investigation for potential clinical relevance.
Abstract:
We have studied the changes in the lipid profile of 14 chronic hemodialysis patients receiving a 6-month cycle of nandrolone decanoate as treatment for anemia. Nandrolone decanoate was administered in a weekly intramuscular dose of 200 mg and resulted in an increase in the hemoglobin concentration (baseline, 7.9 +/- 0.9 g/dL; month 6, 10.8 +/- 1.7 g/dL; P < 0.001, ANOVA) and also produced relevant modifications in the lipid concentrations. The most significant finding was a decrease in the concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: baseline, 19.8 mg/dL (median), month 2, 10.6 mg/dL; month 4, 8.7 mg/dL; and month 6, 7.1 mg/dL (P < 0.001, Friedman). Other lipid changes induced by nandrolone decanoate were an increase in the concentrations of apolipoprotein B (P < 0.02, ANOVA) and triglyceride (P = NS, ANOVA) and a decrease of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P < 0.001, ANOVA) and apolipoprotein A-I (P = NS, ANOVA). The decrease in HDL cholesterol was at the expense of the HDL2 cholesterol subfraction, whereas HDL3 remained unchanged. These lipid modifications were reversible; 4 months after nandrolone decanoate withdrawal, the lipid concentrations were similar to the basal values. The changes in Lp(a) levels did not correlate with those of hemoglobin or the other lipid parameters, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms are unrelated. Our findings could be clinically relevant if confirmed by further studies.