[Gemfibrozil reduces elevated lipoprotein (a) levels in hypercholesterolemic patients].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of gemfibrozil and lovastatin in patients with hypercholesterolemia and increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels.


METHODS
Twenty-seven subjects with total cholesterol (TC) > 240 mg/dL, LDL-C > 160 mg/dL and Lp(a) > 25 mg/dL were studied. Patients were randomized to receive gemfibrozil 1200 mg/day, (n = 14, 54 +/- 7 years) or lovastatin 40-80 mg at night (n = 13, 55 +/- 9 years) for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and Lp(a) were determined at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment.


RESULTS
Gemfibrozil reduced TC (-21%), LDL-C (-26%), triglycerides (TG)(-48%) and Lp(a) (-25%), increased HDL-C (+48%)(p < 0.001). Lovastatin reduced TC (-29%), LDL-C (-37%) and TG (-25%) (p < 0.001) however, it did not affect Lp(a).


CONCLUSIONS
Besides reducing plasma LDL-C, TG and increasing HDL-C, gemfibrozil effectively lowers Lp(a) levels. Lovastatin did not affect Lp(a) levels.
Ramires
J A
JA
Instituto do Coração, Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP.
Spósito
A C
AC
Mansur
A P
AP
Solimene
M C
MC
Chamone
D
D
da Luz
P L
PL
Pileggi
F
F
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D015248:Gemfibrozil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood*; D008148:Lovastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D008148:Lovastatin; D015248:Gemfibrozil
O gemfibrozil reduz níveis elevados de lipoproteína (a) em pacientes hipercolesterolêmicos.