The effect of testosterone replacement on plasma lipids and apolipoproteins

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Abstract
Ten men with Klinefelter's syndrome were studied to assess the effect of testosterone replacement on plasma lipids and apolipoproteins. Measurements taken before the insertion of a testosterone ester implant were compared with those obtained 1 week and 4 weeks later. Mean plasma testosterone, androstenedione, total cholesterol and calculated LDL-cholesterol increased significantly after 1 and 4 weeks. No significant changes were seen in total plasma concentrations of HDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol subfractions 2 and 3 or in apoplipoproteins A-I, A-II or B. A significant correlation was seen between total cholesterol and plasma oestradiol concentrations (Rs=0.61; P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was seen between the concentrations of total testosterone and total triglyceride (Rs= -0.56; P < 0.005) but not with the other lipid parameters. Testosterone replacement is associated with slight but potentially adverse changes in plasma cholesterol levels.