OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized clinical study was to evaluate the hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) effect on plasma lipoproteins and Lp(a) profile in 42 menopausal women with primary hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol > 240 mg/dL). SETTING: University clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 42 hypercholesterolemic menopausal women were randomly assigned to the following groups; (1) transdermal estradiol, 50 micrograms + medroxyprogesterone 10 mg/day for days; (2) conjugated equine estrogens, 0.625 mg/day + medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg/day for 12 days; (3) no treatment. At baseline and after 3 and 6 months two blood samples were collected with a 24-hour interval in order to reduce intraindividual and laboratory variability. Serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and Lp(a) were determined. RESULTS: Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol significantly decreased after 6 months in both treated groups in comparison to untreated women; HDL cholesterol and triglycerides showed only minimal changes. HRT at the dosage utilized in the study did not seem influence the Lp(a) concentrations after 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both transdermal and oral estrogens at medium dosage have a favorable influence on total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level of hypercholesterolemic menopausal women, but Lp(a) remains resistant to manipulation.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pattern of red blood cells and platelets cholesterol and fatty acids in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic patients treated with LDL-apheresis.

Two homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic patients were treated with dextran-sulfate cellulose LDL-apheresis (DSC-LDL/A). We evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively, red cell and platelets membrane cholesterol and fatty acids, before and after LDL-apheresis. Fatty acids and cholesterol of red blood cells and platelets were determined by gas-chromatographic technique. We failed to observe any quantitative or qualitative modification, as far as the youngest patient (MD) is concerned. Only in the oldest patient (SM), docosaesanoic acid (22:6) values, were significantly reduced by LDL-A on quantitative basis. In the same patient, also mirystic acid (14:0) values, were significantly decreased as determined by qualitative method. The above mentioned fatty acids were significantly changed in platelets on treatment with LDL-apheresis performed on weekly basis.

Adult↗