Prevalence of Macroprolactinemia in Indian Females with Hyperprolactinemia: A Pilot Study
Archives of Advances in Biosciences,
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026),
28 Ordibehesht 2026
,
Page 1-6
https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v17i1.48551
Abstract
Background and Aim: Post-translational modifications of prolactin (PrL) generate various isoforms that can interfere with the accurate measurement of monomeric PrL concentrations. Macroprolactinemia (MacroPRLemia) is defined as hyperprolactinemia caused by elevated levels of macro-PrL. Specifically, the term ‘macroprolactinemia’ is applied when macro-PrL levels exceed 60% of the total serum PrL concentration, as estimated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation. Clinically distinguishing MacroPRLemia from true hyperprolactinemia is essential, as the former is generally considered a benign condition that requires no medical intervention. Due to its technical simplicity and cost-effectiveness, PEG precipitation is widely utilized for macro-PrL screening in routine clinical laboratories. However, data regarding the prevalence and burden of MacroPRLemia in Indian females remains unavailable. Therefore, the present study was designed to address this gap in the literature.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Central Clinical Laboratory of the Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, a tertiary care teaching hospital in Bathinda, Punjab, India. Females aged 18 to 40 years attending the Gynecology Outpatient Department (OPD) for infertility check-ups, whose PrL levels were above the laboratory’s upper reference limit (24.8 ng/ml), and who had started treatment, were included. Subjects with a history of prolactinomas or other pituitary diseases (excluded via imaging or clinical history), thyroid disorders, or those taking medications that can influence prolactin levels, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, were excluded.
Results: Among the 900 females who underwent PrL testing, 98 were found to have hyperprolactinemia. Of these, twelve females showed the presence of macroprolactin.
Conclusion: The occurrence of macroprolactinemia in hyperprolactinemic females is not a rare phenomenon, with a prevalence of 12.2%.
- prolactin isoforms
- polyethylene glycol
- gel filtration chromatography
- infertility
How to Cite
References
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