title: An open label crossover trial of effects of metronidazol on hyperlipidaemia.
abstract: Metronidazole, a synthetic derivative of tile nitroimidazole class, is a known antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent. Following an anecdotal observation of hypolipidemic effect of metronidazole, a randomized open trial of 250 mg three times daily was conducted in 30 subjects. This open label crossover trial was performed in three stages-14 days each-as challenge, wash out and re-challenge on 30 subjects, including six male and 24 female in the age limits of 40 to 73 years (mean 58.7+/-10.6 years). Results of this trial revealed that metronidazole 750 mg daily in divided doses for 14 days decreased the average of total blood cholesterol in 30 cases by 46+/-27 mg/dl (14.6%, P=0.025) and LDL cholesterol by 39+/-28 mg/dl (22%, P=0.005). Decrease in total and LDL cholesterol and increase in HDL cholesterol by 3.8+/-4.1 mg/dl also accompanied fall of triglyceride level cases by 68+/-13 mg/dl. This study suggests that metronidazole or its derivatives may form a new class of lipid lowering compounds.
authors.affiliation: Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Dr Heshmat Cardiovascular Research Center, Rasht, 41937, Guilan, Iran. shamkhani@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Kamran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shamkhani
authors.forename: Manochehr
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Azarpira
authors.forename: Manzar H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Akbar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D008795:Metronidazole