Cor Vasa 2002, 43(3):129-133
Fenofibrate therapy has a beneficial effect on LDL particle size
- Laboratoř pro výzkum aterosklerózy, Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha, Česká republika
Aim of study:
To establish whether micronized fenofibrate therapy in patients with mixed hyperlipoproteinemia in routine outpatient practice has an effect on LDL particle size.
Methods:
A group of patients included 229 individuals (168 men and 61 women) whose plasma samples (and personal medical history data) had been sent in for analysis from 45 outpatient offices of cardiologists and internists from all over the country. The number of patients indicated for fibrate therapy from each physician's office was 2-10. Of this number, 167 (73%) had had a myocardial infarction. The size of the main LDL fraction particles was determined using gradient ultracentrifugation and gradient gel electrophoresis (2-20% acryl amide) prior to and after 3-month therapy. The levels of individual lipid fractions were also determined.
Results:
Micronized fenofibrate (Lipanthyl 200 M®) therapy led to an expected significant decrease in the levels of total cholesterol (by 13%), triglycerides (by 28%), ApoB (by 17%), and a significant increase in the levels of HDL-cholesterol (by 11%). LDL particle size increased after therapy from 25.41 nm to 25.64 nm in men (p < 0.002) and from 25.45 nm to 25.84 nm in women (p < 0.001). The increase in the mean LDL particle size correlated most significantly (negatively) with the decrease in the total levels of triglycerides.
Conclusion:
Micronized fenofibrate therapy in patients with mixed hyperlipoproteinemia results in a highly significant increase in LDL particle size, representing a demonstrable reduction in the risk of their atherogenicity even in the outpatient office routine.
Keywords: LDL-cholesterol; LDL particle size; Micronized fenofibrate; Gradient gel electrophoresis
Published: March 1, 2002 Show citation