Alterations in low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein subclasses among Hispanic women with polycystic ovary syndrome: influence of insulin and genetic factors.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the influence of hyperandrogenism on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass levels as well as lipoprotein (a) levels in hyperandrogenic women compared with a control group.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
University-based outpatient clinic.


METHODS
Sixteen Hispanic women with polycystic ovary syndrome were compared with 21 controls matched for age, weight, and ethnicity.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Fasting serum levels of testosterone, insulin, and lipoproteins.


RESULTS
Compared with controls, women with polycystic ovary syndrome had significantly lower levels of apolipoprotein A-I (95+/-28 mg/dL versus 144+/-42 mg/dL) and HDL2a (30.9%+/-4.4% versus 36.6%+/-5.4%) but significantly higher levels of HDL3c (5.1%+/-2.2% versus 2.4%+/-1.5%). There were no statistically significant differences in LDL subclasses between groups, but there was a high incidence (54%) of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype B in this Hispanic population. As a group, Hispanic women with the abnormal B phenotype had significantly higher levels of insulin, HDL, HDL2b, and triglycerides.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperandrogenemia may have an adverse effect on serum lipoproteins through effects on HDL subclasses. Hispanic women may have a higher incidence of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype B, which may increase their risk for atherosclerosis.
Legro
R S
RS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA. rsl1@psu.edu
Blanche
P
P
Krauss
R M
RM
Lobo
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics
D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL