Bambuterol raises high-density lipoprotein levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of bambuterol (a prodrug of the beta 2-agonist terbutaline) on lipid and lipoprotein levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia. Both these drugs are extensively used in the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma. Earlier studies in healthy volunteers and in patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus have shown that terbutaline and bambuterol increase HDL cholesterol levels, and therefore bambuterol might have beneficial effects on HDL levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia.


METHODS
The present study was a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, comparing 20 mg of bambuterol with placebo, each one given for 6-8 weeks with a 3-4 week washout period in between.


METHODS
The study was performed in an out-patient lipid clinic at Malmö University Hospital.


METHODS
Thirty-one patients with hyperlipidaemia (S-cholesterol > 6.5 mmol L-1 and S-triglycerides > 2.0 mmol L-1) were included.


RESULTS
The results showed that bambuterol increased S-HDL cholesterol levels by 7% (P = 0.012). Increases were 23% for P-HDL2 and 7% for P-HDL3 fractions, but no effect was apparent on S-apolipoprotein A-1 levels.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the beta 2-agonist bambuterol might be used as an alternative or as a complement in the treatment of dyslipidemic patients, when an increase in HDL cholesterol is desired.
Florén
C H
CH
Department of Medicine, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden.
Kjellström
T
T
Bauer
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D011355:Prodrugs; D013726:Terbutaline; C047766:bambuterol