Elsevier

Metabolism

Volume 31, Issue 11, November 1982, Pages 1147-1152
Metabolism

Reduction in high density lipoproteins by anabolic steroid (stanozolol) therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis

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Abstract

The effects of stanozolol, 17-methyl-2H-5α-androst-2-eno[3,2-c]pyrazol-17β-ol, on lipoprotein levels were assessed in a short-term (6 wk) prospective study of 10 normolipidemic, postmenopausal, osteoporotic women. While total cholesterol and triglyceride levels remained constant, equal and offsetting responses were seen in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (+30.9 ± 28.1 mg/dl [mean ± S.D.], p < 0.01, a 21% increase) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (−32.5 ± 11.9 mg/dl [mean ± S.D.], p < 0.001, a 53% decline). Hence the LDLHDL ratio increased dramatically, from 2.5 ± 0.7 to 6.8 ± 2.5. Within HDL, stanozolol was associated with a greater decline in HDL2 (from 26.0 ± 7.4 mg/dl to 3.8 ± 1.9 mg/dl, p < 0.001, an 85% decrease) than HDL2 (which diminished from 35.7 ± 3.2 to 24.1 ± 5.8 mg/dl, p < 0.001, a 35% decrease). The major HDL apolipoproteins also declined (A-I by a mean of 41% and A-II by 24%, both p < 0.001). Postheparin hepatic triglyceride lipase increased (off treatment 74 ± 42 nmole free fatty acid min−1 mole−1, on treatment 242 ± 110, n = 6, p = 0.06). All changes were reversed by 5 wk following termination of the drug. These lipoprotein changes suggest caution in the long term prescription of stanozolol, particularly in those without overriding clinical indications for its use.

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    Supported in part by NIH grants HL 23474, HV-1-2157-L, CRC-RR-37, HL07028, HL 18645, HL 22381 & HL 22285.

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    During the tenure of these studies Dr. Taggart was supported by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board & the Northern Ireland Postgraduate Medical Council

    3

    Dr. Applebaum-Bowden a Research Associate of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

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    Dr. Albers is an Established Investigator of the American Heart Association.

    2

    Dr. Hazzard was an Investigator

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