Lipid profile and atherogenic indices in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits aggressive clinical behavior and may be associated with systemic metabolic alterations. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate lipid profiles and atherogenic indices in TNBC patients compared to hormone-dependent breast cancer (HDBC) patients and healthy controls in Senegal. A total of 120 women were enrolled: 40 with TNBC, 40 with HDBC, and 40 healthy controls. Fasting blood samples were collected before any treatment for lipid analysis and calculation of atherogenic indices, including Castelli indices I and II, atherogenic coefficient, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Sociodemographic, clinical, and reproductive data were also recorded. TNBC patients are more frequently presented with advanced-stage tumors, low BMI, and low socioeconomic status. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in the TNBC group (p < 0.001), while atherogenic indices were significantly higher compared to healthy controls. Multivariate analysis identified low HDL-C and elevated Castelli index I as independent factors associated with TNBC. These findings suggest that TNBC patients exhibit a systemic phenotype marked by a pro-atherogenic and inflammatory lipid profile. The integration of lipid-based markers into routine clinical evaluation could improve risk stratification and support a more holistic approach to the management of high-risk breast cancer subtypes. Key words: Triple-negative breast cancer, hormone-dependent breast cancer, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Castelli I, cardiovascular risk.