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 HDL_2a (30.9% ± 4.4% versus 36.6% ± 5.4%) but significantly higher levels of HDL_3c (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, HDL_2b, 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.