Antibodies against oxidised low-density lipoprotein in hypopituitary patients with growth hormone deficiency

Growth hormone-deficient hypopituitary patients on conventional replacement therapy have increased mortality and morbidity from atherosclerotic cardio vascular disease. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a key event in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Antibodies against oxidatively modified LDL may reflect in vivo oxidation processes. The aim o f this study is to determine the effect of growth hormone deficiency on oxi dised-LDL antibody titres in panhypopituitary patients taking conventional replacement therapy. Twenty-one GH deficient, adult panhypopituitary patien ts and 17 age, sex and body mass index-matched healthy controls were studie d. After an overnight fast, anthropometric parameters were measured and bod y composition was determined by a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Venous blood samples were obtained for the measurements of biochemical parameters. Antibodies to oxidised-LDL were analysed by an ELISA system in the patient s' and controls' serum. No significant difference was observed between the oxidised-LDL antibody titres in hypopituitary patients and controls (395.4 +/- 183.2 mU/ml and 393.2 +/- 186.2 mU/ml respectively, p=NS). A. significa nt positive correlation was observed between oxidised-LDL antibody titres a nd total cholesterol concentrations in the patients (r=0.449, p <0.05). No significant correlation was observed between oxidised-LDL antibody titres a nd anthropometric/biochemical variables in the controls. It is concluded th at relatively increased LDL oxidation may not contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis in hypopituitary patients.