Effect of gemfibrozil in men with primary isolated low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of gemfibrozil in men with primary isolated low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.


METHODS
Fourteen men with low levels of HDL-C but desirable total cholesterol levels received gemfibrozil in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. The men were placed on a National Cholesterol Education Program Step-Two Diet. They were randomly assigned to receive placebo and gemfibrozil each for 3 months, with a 1-month washout period between phases.


RESULTS
Overall, gemfibrozil increased the total HDL-C concentration by 9.2% (p = 0.001), reduced triglyceride (TG) levels by 38% (p < 0.01), and significantly lowered the total cholesterol:HDL-C ratio (p = 0.01). Those with fasting TG levels of 1.07 mmol/L (95 mg/dL) or greater had a significant elevation in the HDL-C level (14.6%, p = 0.005) and a reduction in TG levels (50%, p = 0.002) with gemfibrozil; those with fasting TG levels less than 1.07 mmol/L had a smaller increase in the HDL-C level (4.1%, p > 0.05) and a smaller reduction in TG levels (15%, p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the plasma levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, HDL2-C, apolipoproteins (apo) A-I and B, or Lp(a). HDL3-C and apo A-II levels rose slightly. The adverse effects attributable to gemfibrozil were minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
In men with desirable total cholesterol levels, gemfibrozil raises HDL-C and lowers TG levels to a similar extent as reported for hyperlipidemic men in the Helsinki Heart Study. These lipid-altering effects were most pronounced in those with the highest fasting TG levels.
Miller
M
M
Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.
Bachorik
P S
PS
McCrindle
B W
BW
Kwiterovich
P O
PO
D000328:Adult; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D002149:Energy Intake; D015248:Gemfibrozil / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D004041:Dietary Fats; D015248:Gemfibrozil