Comparison of Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level in Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy in Mymensingh Region of Bangladesh

Altered metabolic and hormonal status of the body in pregnancy leads to changes in lipid profile. High Lipid profile, a major factor behind atherosclerosis may leads to unconsciousness. To avoid such problems during pregnancy this longitudinal study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in co-operation with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and Community Based Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh during the period from July 2011 to December 2012 to compare the changes in low density lipoprotein cholesterol level during 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. A total of one hundred subjects were participated in this study comprising of second and third trimester of pregnancy. All subjects were made to fast overnight at least for a minimum of 8 hrs. Blood samples were taken and analyzed by enzymatic colorimetric kit method. Pregnancy has being found to be associated with changes in lipid profile and this differs with each trimester. The average results were analyzed with respect to each pregnancy for the whole group. The study proves that serum Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increases in third trimester (174.83±13.78 mg/dl) than second trimester (156.77±7.96 mg/dl) of pregnancy. Therefore, lipid profile estimation and monitoring should be made as a part of routine investigation during antenatal period.

Changes in lipid profile of postmenopausal women

The study reveals that menopause leads to changes in hormonal status, metabolism and lipid profile. Since there is an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases for women after menopause, the present study is aimed at comparing the changes of serum lipid profile in premenopausal women with that of their postmenopausal counterparts. This is to enable us ascertain the relative risk of developing cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women in Bangladesh. One hundred and eighteen (118) apparently healthy females (59 premenopausal = control and 59 postmenopausal = case) were selected for the study. The case-control cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in cooperation with the Department of Gynaecology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh during the period from January 2009 to December 2009. Data were collected through clinical evaluation from pre selected questionnaires and fasting blood samples were taken for laboratory investigations. Serum total cholesterol and their sub fractions- high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) were measured by autoanalyzer using enzymatic and established mathematical methods. Statistical significance of difference between two groups were evaluated by using unpaired 't' test with the help of SPSS software package. The results showed statistically significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p<0.001) of menopausal women compared to reproductive age group. The postmenopausal women had higher but non-significant (p=0.675) concentrations of triglycerides than the premenopausal women with regular menstruation. However, a significant reduction of HDL was present in the postmenopausal group (p<0.001) than the premenopausal group. Therefore, it can be concluded that menopause leads to changes in lipid profile by increasing total and LDL cholesterol and by reducing HDL cholesterol. The elevated LDL and the reduction of cardio protective HDL is an indication that menopause is an independent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in Bangladesh.