Pleiotropic effects of ezetimibe: do they really exist?
Ezetimibe represents a new lipid lowering agent which inhibits cholesterol absorption. It effectively reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when administered either alone or in combination with statins. However, its effect on cardiovascular mortality remains under question since it failed to demonstrate any significant changes in the primary endpoints of the recently published ENHANCE and SEAS studies. A possible explanation for this unsuccessful outcome is that ezetimibe lacks pleiotropic effects. This article aims to review the potential pleiotropic effects of the drug mainly on inflammation markers, lipoprotein subfractions and endothelial function.
Kalogirou
Michalis
M
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Tsimihodimos
Vasilis
V
Elisaf
Moses
M
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001384:Azetidines / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D000069438:Ezetimibe; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001384:Azetidines; D015415:Biomarkers; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D000069438:Ezetimibe