Effects of fenofibrate on lipoproteins, vasomotor function, and serological markers of inflammation, plaque stabilization, and hemostasis.

Author(s): Kon Koh K, Yeal Ahn J, Hwan Han S, Kyu Jin D, Sik Kim H, Cheon Lee K, Kyun Shin E, Sakuma I

Affiliation(s): Department of Cardiology, Gil Heart Center, Gachon Medical School, 1198 Kuwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon 405-760, Republic of Korea. Kwang@ghil.com

Publication date & source: 2004-06, Atherosclerosis., 174(2):379-83.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

We investigated the effects of fenofibrate, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) agonist, on endothelial function in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. We administered placebo or fenofibrate 200 mg daily to 25 patients with hypertriglyceridemia for 8 weeks. This study was randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover in design. Compared with placebo, fenofibrate significantly changed lipoprotein levels including non-HDL cholesterol and significantly improved the percent flow-mediated dilator response to hyperemia by 13 +/- 6% (P < 0.001) and lowered plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by 13 +/- 3% (P < 0.001). Fenofibrate reduced fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen levels by 17 +/- 3 and 10 +/- 3%, respectively (P < 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively). However, fenofibrate did not significantly change plasma levels of nitrate, malondialdehyde, tissue factor activity, and serological markers of plaque stabilization. Fenofibrate significantly changed lipoprotein levels and improved the percent flow-mediated dilator response to hyperemia as well as lowered levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen.