The HDL2/HDL3 ratio in menopause

Abstract

Objectives The influence of the menopause on the HDL2/HDL3 ratio was assessed in association with hypertriglyceridemia. Methods Fasting blood samples were collected from 607 patients. Commercially available enzymatic methods were used for determination of TG, and total HDL-C. HDL2 and HDL3 were measured by ultracentrifugation. Results The HDL2/HDL3 ratio had a strong negative correlation with TG ( r=−0.272, P<0.0001 and r=-0.314, P<0.0001) in both pre- and postmenopausal women. No significant differences were observed in HDL2, HDL3, and HDL2/HDL3 ratio between pre- and postmenopausal women without hypertriglyceridemia. Postmenopausal women had a significantly higher HDL2/HDL3 ratio than premenopausal women with hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusions These results indicate that menopausal status not only increases plasma LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but also increases the HDL2/HDL3 ratio when associated with elevation of plasma triglyceride levels. These changes may increase the risk for CHD due to enlargement of the lipid pool.