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 (VLDL) cholesterol levels were quantified in Stage I and Stage IV breast cancer patients in order to evaluate the changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins in the early and advanced stages of the disease. When compared with data from age-matched healthy females, fasting serum triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol levels were found to be significantly increased and HDL cholesterol levels significantly decreased in patients with 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 compared to those with Stage I breast cancer. No significant difference was found in total and LDL cholesterol between Stage I breast cancer patients and healthy controls.