Is prolactin serum level and coronary artery atherosclerosis correlated in postmenopausal women? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Prolactin is correlated with some conditions that predispose individuals to atherosclerosis. Prolactin receptors have been found in atherosclerotic plaques. However, a correlation between the serum prolactin level and the extension and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis has yet to be studied. This study was an examination of that relationship. Methods: In total, 414 postmenopausal women with normal serum prolactin levels who were candidates for selective coronary angiography were enrolled. The patients' lipid profile and levels of serum prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, C-reactive protein, urea, creatinine, and fasting blood sugar were measured. The Gensini score for each patient was calculated. The study population was divided into 3 groups according to the tertile of the serum prolactin level. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the Gensini score results between the 3 groups in the univariate analysis (p=0.075). The multivariable analysis showed that the serum prolactin level was not an independent determinant of the Gensini score (p=0.430), whereas age, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were independent determinants of the Gensini score. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant correlation between the serum prolactin level and coronary artery atherosclerosis expressed as the Gensini score in this sample of postmenopausal women.