Abstract
Background and Objectives: It is well established that atherosclerosis is a common complication in hemodialysis patients. Many studies indicate an association between high lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and atherosclerosis. There are limited data on how diet and drugs effect plasma Lp(a) levels. In this study the effect of Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) on lipid profiles including Lp(a) and its isoforms were evaluated in hemodialysis patients.
Materials and Methods: 64 patients under regular hemodialysis treated with ND at dose of 100mg/I.M. once a week for 4 months. Serum levels of lipids, lipoproteins and Lp(a) were measured by standard methods and Apo(a) phenotypes were evaluated by immunoblotting.
Results: After treatment for 2 and 4 months elevation in the serum levels of cholesterol (p=0.007), triglyceride (p<0.04) and marked decrease in thos of HDL-C (p=0.007) and Lp(a) (p=0.025) were noticed. The alteration were relatively irreversible two months after the treatment. The percentage of reduction in serum level of Lp(a) was larger in patients with high Lp(a) (>30 mg/dl) than those with low Lp(a) (<30mg/dl), irrespective of apo(a) isoform size.
Conclusion: It was concluded that, in spite of the adverse effect of ND on lipid profile, it decreases Lp(a) levels in patients with high levels of the Lp(a) irrespective of apo(a) molecular weight. Simultaneous administration of ND with suitable lipid lowering drug may be useful in hemodialysed patients.