Abstract
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for metabolic diseases and often influences hormone change. Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is associated with various metabolic diseases, but there are few studies on the relationship between Lp(a) and hormones in obese patients. This study investigated the the relationship between Lp(a) and hormones in Chinese overweight/obese people. METHODS: A total of 410 overweight/obese patients (Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m(2)) were included and underwent sociodemographic data investigations and relevant clinical examinations. Lp(a) was analyzed by colorimetric enzymatic assays and hormone was measured with chemiluminescence immunoassay method. According to Lp(a) levels, they were categorized into 3 groups: the lower Lp(a) group (Lp(a) levels < 30 mg/dl), the moderate Lp(a) group (Lp(a) levels between 30 mg/dl and 120 mg/dl) and the higher Lp(a) group (Lp(a) levels > 120 mg/dl). The differences of hormone levels among the three groups were compared and the relationship between Lp(a) and hormones was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: The higher Lp(a) group had significantly lower testosterone (TES) levels compared with the lower and moderate Lp(a) groups in the case of gender, age and BMI matching. Lp(a) concentration was negatively correlated with TES levels in all participants and the negative association between Lp(a) and TES levels was also observed when the analysis was stratified by gender. Additionally, the TES was statistically related with Lp(a) levels in the multiple linear regression model (95% confidence interval: - 0.451 to - 0.079). CONCLUSIONS: TES levels was negatively associated with Lp(a) levels in Chinese overweight/obese patients.