Effects of treatment with Sandostatin® LAR® on small dense LDL and remnant-like lipoproteins in patients with acromegaly

Summary objective Acromegalic patients have been shown to have an increase in the concentrations of small dense low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and remnant‐like lipoprotein particles (RLP). These lipoproteins are atherogenic and may contribute to the cardiovascular risk of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment of acromegaly using Sandostatin® LAR® could lower these atherogenic lipoproteins. methods Fourteen patients with active acromegaly were recruited and Sandostatin® LAR®, a long‐acting somatostatin analogue, was given every 4 weeks by intramuscular injection for 6 months. Fasting lipids, lipoproteins, lipolytic enzymes were determined at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks after treatment. Small dense LDL was measured using density gradient ultracentrifugation and RLP‐cholesterol (RLP‐C) by an immunoseparation assay. results There was already a marked reduction in GH and IGF‐1 by week 8 and, in all subjects, IGF‐1 levels within their respective age‐specific normal range were achieved. At week 12, plasma triglyceride significantly decreased (P