Atherogenic lipid markers and testosterone levels in Nigerian men with prostate disorders

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.Atherogenic lipoprotein profile is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the atherogenic lipid markers and testosterone levels in Nigerian men with prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) to evaluate their usefulness for predicting cardiovascular events in patients with prostate disorders. Methods: Study subjects consisted of 40 PCa patients, 32 BPH patients and 32 apparently healthy controls. Serum lipid profile, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone levels were determined using standard procedures. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated as log (triacylglycerol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol). Results: The results from the study indicate that PCa and BPH subjects had significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-c), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-c),Triacylglycerol (TAG) and AIP while high density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-c) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the controls. However, PCa patients had significantly lower (p < 0.05) HDL-c and testosterone levels but significantly higher (p < 0.05) AIP levels compared to BPH patients. In PCa patients AIP, TC, and LDL-c showed significant positive correlations with PSA while a significant negative correlation was observed between HDL-c .and PSA. In BPH patients a significant positive correlation was observed between total testosterone and PSA. Conclusions: Prostate disorders are associated with altered lipid profile and atherogenic lipid markers. AIP may be useful in predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases in Nigerian men with PCa and BPH.