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.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

University-based outpatient clinic.

PATIENT(S): Sixteen Hispanic women with polycystic ovary syndrome were compared with 21 controls matched for age, weight, and ethnicity.

INTERVENTION(S): None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fasting serum levels of testosterone, insulin, and lipoproteins.

RESULT(S): 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.

CONCLUSION(S): 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.