The impact of D-Trp6 LH-RH on plasma lipid levels.

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence regarding the correlation between the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and low levels of HDL-cholesterol or high plasma concentrations of LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GhRH) analogues are widely used in assisted reproduction programs. Therefore, it seems important to evaluate possible changes in serum lipoprotein levels following treatment with these compounds.

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to assess possible lipoprotein changes following administration of the long-acting GnRH analogue, D-Trp6 luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH).

DESIGN

Serum levels of cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglicerydes were determined before and after 6 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

No significant changes in either cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, or triglicerydes following treatment with D-Trp6 LH-RH were demonstrated in the group of 25 patients investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term use of D-Trp6 LH-RH is not associated with any significant change in plasma lipid levels. Further studies are still required with patients undergoing repeated treatment cycles, especially those who exhibit elevated pretreatment plasma lipid levels, to confirm the long-term safety of GnRH analogues with respect to lipid metabolism.