The Effect of Anastrozole on the Lipid Profile: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the impact of anas-trozole administration on the traditional components of the lipid profile (ie, total cholesterol [TC], LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides [TGs]) by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Methods: We searched the PubMed/Medline, Sco-pus, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant randomized controlled trials published in the English language until January 18, 2022. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird methods).Findings: Anastrozole administration significantly lowered TC concentrations when the treatment duration was <= 3 months (WMD = -2.73 mg/dL; 95% CI, -5.09 to -0.38 mg/dL; P = 0.02) and when the baseline TC concentration was >= 200 mg/dL (WMD = -3.64 mg/dL; 95% CI, -6.30 to -0.98 mg/dL; P = 0.007). HDL-C levels decreased after anastrozole administration when the treatment duration was > 3 months (WMD = -1.67 mg/dL; 95% CI, -3.24 to -0.10 mg/dL; P = 0.03). Anastrozole administration had no impact on TG or LDL-C values.Implications: Anastrozole administration in humans can decrease TC and HDL-C levels but has no effect on LDL-C or TG concentrations. (Clin Ther. 2022;44:1214-1224.) (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

This study found that anastrozole administration in humans can effectively reduce total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but has no impact on triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.