Evaluation of serum lipids and high-density lipoprotein subfractions (HDL2, HDL3) in postmenopausal patients with breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer patients are known to be at increased risk for developing other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease. Studies by different investigators have shown a correlation between increased dietary fat or hypercholesterolemia and the occurrence of breast cancer. Since previous studies on lipoprotein subfractions in this type of cancer have been inconsistent, we evaluated the lipids and lipoprotein subfraction levels in postmenopausal patients with breast cancer in an attempt to identify the risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. The study included 132 patients, 56 of which were suffering from breast cancer, 32 from pancreatic and 44 age-matched controls. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides and lipoprotein fractions as well as TC/High density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL2/HDL3 ratios were estimated by standard laboratory techniques. An increase in triglycerides and a decrease in HDL-cholesterol, especially in the HDL2 subfraction, were observed in patients with breast cancer as compared to the controls (P < 0.05). The maximum changes in TC, and HDL concentrations were observed in patients with advanced disease. Analysis of indexes of atherosclerosis (TC/HDL, and HDL2/HDL3 ratios) demonstrated that breast cancer patients had significantly higher TC/HDL ratio (6.44+/-1.24) compared with controls (3.43+/-0.57, p = 0.001), and patients with pancreatic cancer (3.79+/-0.15, p = 0.027). The results have demonstrated an unfavourable lipid profile in untreated breast cancer patients with high atherosclerosis indexes. This observation is of great importance, considering the potential use of endocrine therapy that could result in further deterioration of lipid indexes. We propose the evaluation and monitoring of lipid profile prior and after the induction of hormonal therapy in breast cancer patients, as a routine in clinical setting.

Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Breast Cancer Risk by Menopausal Status, Body Mass Index, and Hormonal Receptor in Korea

“…The association between HDL-C and breast cancer risk by menopausal status has been inconsistent among studies (13,(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33). However, several results show consistent results of our study.…”

The Relationship between Serum Lipids and Breast Cancer in Libya

“…This association persisted after adjustment for age, body size, lipids, reproductive and familial risk factors, and previous benign breast problems (p<0.01), in keeping with an independent association of elevated TG with breast cancer risk [28]. Several studies have also shown significant increase in TG levels of breast cancer patients [21][22][23][24]27]. However, other studies did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in TG levels.…”

“…Borrelli et al suggesedt that a high serum HDL-C could be a biochemical index of increased risk of having breast cancer [20]. Studies by Qadir et al [9], Shah et al [21], Michalaki et al [22], Kökoğlu et al [23] and Bani et al [24] have also shown an increase in HDL-C to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. In contrast to these findings, other studies suggest that low HDL cholesterol may be a marker of increased breast cancer risk among premenopausal [25] and postmenopausal women [26].…”

The Metabolic Syndrome and Risk Factors for Biliary Tract Cancer: A Case-control Study in China

“…Some experts suggest that suppressed HDL and elevated triglycerides in patients are risk factors for colon (Giovannucci, 2001), breast (Furberg et al, 2004;Michalaki et al, 2005), and prostate cancers (Hammarsten and Hogstedt, 2004). Besides that Wuermli L found hypertriglyceridemia may be a prognostic indicator for prostate cancer according to one recent Swiss case control study that controlled for age, BMI, diabetes mellitus, and statin medication.…”