Effects of androgen manipulation on postprandial triglyceridaemia, low-density lipoprotein particle size and lipoprotein(a) in men

Although androgenic hormones decrease HDLC concentration, no direct evidence has linked them to atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to extend our ability to assess risk associated with androgen induced lipoprotein(Lp) changes by simultaneously gathering information about postprandial triglyceridaemia (PPT), LDL particle size, HDL and Lp(a) in men either taking exogenous androgens or with suppressed endogenous androgen concentrations. The experimental groups comprised nine male bodybuilders who self-administered anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) for a mean period of 6.5 weeks, and 10 healthy men whose testosterone concentration had been reversibly suppressed for 5 weeks using the GnRH agonist triptorelin (Decapeptyl®; -Trp-6-LHRH). A separate group receiving no hormonal treatment provided analytical control (n=7). Lipoprotein size was assessed by gradient gel electrophoresis categorisation (GGE), lipoprotein concentrations by immuno and enzymatic assays and PPT by a standardised oral fat tolerance test (65g /m2). Testosterone concentration was significantly reduced on triptorelin from 7.32±1.92 to 1.15±0.57 ng/ml (P=0.002). High dose AAS use was confirmed by urinalysis. With AAS use, mean HDLC and Lp(a) concentrations and PPT decreased from 0.9±0.3 to 0.7±0.3 mmol/l (P=0.004), 125±128 to 69±73 U/l (P=0.008) and 11.6±10.0 mmol/l h to 7.5±5.4 mmol/l h (P=0.027) respectively. Mean total cholesterol and LDLC were unchanged. LDL size was unchanged in six AAS users, decreased in one but remaining in the normal size range, and increased in two from small LDL to the normal range. Size changes in the latter two subjects were associated with 42 and 58% reductions in PPT respectively. In the triptorelin group, mean total cholesterol, HDLC and Lp(a) were increased from 4.8±0.8 mmol/l to 5.2±1.0 mmol/l (P=0.039), 1.1±0.2 to 1.4±0.3 mmol/l (P=0.002) and 278±149 to 377±222 U/l (P=0.004) respectively. Mean LDLC concentration and PPT were unchanged. LDL particle size increased in four, decreased in two, and was unchanged in four subjects. LDL size decreased in two and showed no change in the other five control subjects. Other lipid measures were unchanged in the control group. Thus, apart from lowering HDLC concentrations, no other potentially atherogenic effects of endogenous androgens or AAS were observed. A suppression of Lp(a) as well as a reduced PPT and increased LDL size in predisposed individuals may be antiatherogenic effects of AAS.