Changes of Plasma Lipid Metabolism in Males during Estrogen Treatment for Prostatic Carcinoma*

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Abstract
Fourteen patients with prostatic carcinoma were treated with 1.0–0.5 mg ethinyl estradiol orally daily and 160–80 mg polyestradiol phosphate im monthly. Lipid concentrations were determined in plasma and the high density lipoprotein fraction, and the plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyl transfer rate was measured before and 1 and 6 months after the start of therapy. During treatment, the concentration of total cholesterol was unchanged while there was a 60% increase of high density lipoprotein-total cholesterol. Triglyceride (TG) concentration increased 40%, indicating an augmented level of very low density lipoprotein concentration. The plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyl transfer rate increased 20–35%, indicating that an increased rate of production and turnover of TG, cholesteryl esters, and very low density lipoproteins probably was a main cause of the elevated TG concentration. The potential effects on the development of atherosclerosis by the plasma lipid changes during estrogen treatment are discussed.