Effect of lipid-lowering drug therapy on small-dense low-density lipoprotein.
OBJECTIVE
To review the effects of lipid-lowering therapy on small-dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C).


METHODS
Literature was obtained from MEDLINE (1989-September 2004) and references of selected articles. Key search terms included small-dense LDL-C and lipid-lowering drug therapy.


RESULTS
Statins, fibrates, and niacin have demonstrated favorable effects on sdLDL-C, especially among patients with mixed dyslipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia. These effects include a reduction of sdLDL-C and/or a shift to the larger, less atherogenic LDL-C.


CONCLUSIONS
Data suggest that statins, fibrates, and niacin are effective at reducing concentrations of sdLDL-C and possibly normalizing LDL-C subclasses.
Backes
James M
JM
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160-7231, USA. jbackes@kumc.edu
Gibson
Cheryl A
CA
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects*; D002995:Clofibric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009525:Niacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D009525:Niacin; D002995:Clofibric Acid