ALTERATIONS OF SERUM-LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS IN BREAST-CANCER

Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) , low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low density lipoprotein (VLD L) cholesterol levels were quantified in Stage I and Stage IV breast c ancer patients in order to evaluate the changes in serum lipids and li poproteins in the early and advanced stages of the disease. When compa red with data from age-matched healthy females, fasting serum triglyce rides and VLDL cholesterol levels were found to be significantly incre ased and HDL cholesterol levels significantly decreased in patients wi th breast cancer. Furthermore, a significant increase in triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol and decreases in total, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels were demonstrated in patients with Stage IV disease when compar ed to those with Stage I breast cancer. No significant difference was found in total and LDL cholesterol between Stage I breast cancer patie nts and healthy controls.