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High density lipoproteins during hypolipidemic therapy. A comparative study of four drugs.

The high density lipoprotein HDL) response of 14 hyperlipidemic subjects to four hypolipidemic agents was studied through serial measurement of HDL cholesterol and apolipoproteins A-I and A-II before and during 3 months each (separated by 2 months off drug) of clofibrate (2 g/day, n = 14), colestipol (20 g/day, n = 12), para-amino salicylic acid--ascorbate (PAS-C, 6--8 g/day, n = 14) taken in random sequence and oxandrolone (7.5 mg/day, n = 11) as the final drug. The maximal effect of each drug appeared by the first monthly evaluation, and A-1, A-II and HDL cholesterol levels returned to pretreatment levels by one month after discontinuation of each agent. With clofibrate, HDL cholesterol increased by 16 +/- 20% from baseline (mean +/- SD) (P less than 0.05), A-I by 11 +/- 13% (P less than 0.05) and A-II by 39 +/- 17% (P less than 0.01). During oxandrolone HDL cholesterol declined by 36 +/- 20% from baseline (P less than 0.01), A-I by 21 +/- 13% (P less than 0.01), and A-II by 16 +/- 11% (P less than 0.025). Neither PAS-C nor colestipol exerted major effects on HDL, or any of the variables although both were associated with a slight rise in the A-I/A-II ratio (11 +/- 15% and 12 +/- 12%, respectively).

Adult↗

Effect of lipid-lowering therapy on the progression of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by scheduled repetitive coronary arteriography.

We studied 42 subjects, each of whom demonstrated significant (greater than or equal to 50%) narrowing of a non-grafted coronary artery and a baseline cholesterol level greater than 250 mg%. All patients underwent repeat scheduled coronary arteriography after 2 years on the study. Twenty-five colestipol responders (cholesterol levels reduced at least 15% within 1 month of therapy) were compared to 17 non-responders who were given 23 months of placebo after a 1 month exposure to colestipol. Baseline risk factors and demographic characteristics were similar for the two groups. In comparison to baseline arteriography, only 3 of the 25 drug-treated patients showed progression, while 8 of 17 placebo treated patients demonstrated progression (P = 0.011). Drug-treated patients demonstrated a 20% decrease in cholesterol levels, while placebo patients did not experience a significant reduction in cholesterol levels. Our study suggests that significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels is associated with a reduced likelihood of progression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions assessed by scheduled repetitive coronary arteriography in hyperlipidemic subjects demonstrating significant coronary artery narrowing on their initial arteriograms.

Cholesterol↗

Correlations between measures of atherosclerosis change using carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography.

Few studies have examined the correlation between change in carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and change in coronary artery disease. In the Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study, current nonsmoking men with coronary artery disease were randomized to colestipol-niacin or placebo. Among 133 subjects with baseline and on-trial coronary angiography and carotid ultrasonography, colestipol-niacin treatment significantly reduced progression of atherosclerosis by both end point measures (2-year average change in percent diameter stenosis by coronary angiography and rate of change in carotid IMT). Significant correlations between change in common carotid artery IMT and quantitative coronary angiographic measures of change were evident over all coronary artery lesions, and in mild/moderate (<50% diameter stenosis), but not severe (>/=50% diameter stenosis) coronary artery lesions. In mild/moderate lesions, correlations with change in common carotid IMT were: percent diameter stenosis (r=0.28, P=0.002), minimum lumen diameter (r=-0.28, P=0.002), and vessel edge roughness (r=0.25, P=0.003). While measures obtained by carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography are correlated, they each assess different aspects of atherosclerosis change.

Adult↗

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Regression Study: a randomised trial of low-density-lipoprotein apheresis.

Low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis has the theoretical advantage over anion-exchange resins and hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors of decreasing lipoprotein(a) as well as LDL. To confirm this advantage, patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia and coronary artery disease were randomised to receive LDL apheresis fortnightly (with disposable dextran sulphate/cellulose columns) plus simvastatin 40 mg daily, or colestipol 20 g plus simvastatin 40 mg daily. Quantitative coronary angiography was repeated after a mean of 2.1 years in 20 patients undergoing apheresis and in 19 on combination drug therapy. Changes in serum lipoproteins were similar in both groups apart from greater lowering by apheresis of LDL cholesterol (3.2 vs 3.4 mmol/L in drug group, p = 0.03) and lipoprotein(a) (geometric means 14 vs 21 mg/dL, p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in primary angiographic endpoints per patient but lesion-based and segment-based secondary endpoints were biased in favour of the drug group (change in minimum lumen diameter of lesions 0.07 vs -0.004 mm, p = 0.046; change in mean lumen diameter of segments 0.02 vs -0.06 mm, p = 0.01). None of the angiographic changes correlated with lipoprotein(a) concentrations. Per patient changes in % diameter stenosis and minimum lumen diameter in the two groups were as or more favourable than those observed in five published trials that assessed lipid-lowering drug therapy by quantitative coronary angiography. Although LDL apheresis combined with simvastatin was more effective than colestipol plus simvastatin in reducing LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), it was less beneficial in influencing coronary atherosclerosis and should be reserved for patients unresponsive to drugs. Decreasing lipoprotein(a) seems to be unnecessary if LDL cholesterol is reduced to 3.4 mmol/L or less.

Adult↗

Treatment of the hyperlipidemia of the nephrotic syndrome: a controlled trial.

The hyperlipidemia of the nephrotic syndrome is often associated with elevated total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and low or normal high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. This pattern of hyperlipidemia has been associated with an increased risk of accelerated atherosclerosis in other populations. Despite extensive studies of diet and drug therapy in other populations, few such therapeutic studies exist in patients with the nephrotic syndrome. To investigate the effect of diet and lipid-lowering drugs on the lipoprotein-lipid profile of patients with unremitting nephrotic syndrome and marked hyperlipidemia, we conducted a controlled trial using two such drugs: colestipol and probucol. Colestipol lowered the mean total fasting plasma cholesterol of seven patients from 397 +/- 27 to 317 +/- 37 mg/dL, a 20.2% decrease, and lowered the LDL cholesterol from 398 +/- 28 to 203 +/- 18 mg/dL, a 31.9% decrease. It did not affect the HDL cholesterol level, and thus lowered the LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio. Probucol lowered the mean total cholesterol from 439 +/- 72 to 339 +/- 60 mg/dL, a 22.6% decrease, and the LDL cholesterol from 282 +/- 43 to 215 +/- 26 mg/dL, a 23.8% decrease. Although the HDL cholesterol was lowered from 49 +/- 9 to 43 +/- 7 mg/dL by probucol, a 12.2% decrease, the LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio still declined. Both drugs were well tolerated and proved safe in this short-term trial. Antihyperlipidemic therapy may well be indicated in certain patients with unremitting nephrotic syndrome.

Adult↗

Treating patients with documented atherosclerosis to National Cholesterol Education Program-recommended low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol goals with atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin in patients with documented atherosclerosis treated to U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommended low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration (< or = 100 mg/dl [2.59 mmol/liter]). BACKGROUND: For patients with advanced atherosclerosis, NCEP recommends lipid-lowering drug therapy if LDL cholesterol remains > or = 130 mg/dl (3.36 mmol/liter). METHODS: A total of 318 men or women with documented atherosclerosis and LDL cholesterol > or = 130 mg/dl (3.36 mmol/liter) and < or = 250 mg/dl (6.5 mmol/liter), and triglycerides < or = 400 mg/dl (4.5 mmol/liter) participated in this 54-week, multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, treat-to-target study. Patients were titrated at 12-week intervals until the LDL cholesterol goal was reached. Number of patients reaching target LDL cholesterol levels and dose to reach target were evaluated. RESULTS: At the starting doses, atorvastatin 10 mg produced significantly greater decreases (p < 0.05) in plasma LDL cholesterol than the other treatments. Subsequently, the percentage of patients reaching goal at the starting dose was 32% for atorvastatin, 1% for fluvastatin, 10% for lovastatin and 22% for simvastatin. Atorvastatin-treated patients required a lower median dose than other treatments. Median doses at week 54 with the last available visit carried forward were atorvastatin 20 mg/day, fluvastatin 40 mg/day + colestipol 20 g/day, lovastatin 80 mg/day, simvastatin 40 mg/day. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly greater number (p < 0.05) of patients with confirmed atherosclerosis treated with atorvastatin reached the target LDL cholesterol concentration at the starting dose than patients treated with fluvastatin or lovastatin, and significantly fewer (p < 0.05) patients treated with atorvastatin required combination therapy with colestipol to achieve target LDL cholesterol concentrations than all other statins tested.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗

Colesevelam hydrochloride.

The pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, drug interactions, adverse effects, and dosage and administration of colesevelam hydrochloride are reviewed. Colesevelam hydrochloride is a nonabsorbed lipid-lowering agent approved for use alone or in combination with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors for the reduction of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Colesevelam forms nonabsorbable complexes with bile acids in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, resulting in changes in plasma lipid levels, including total, LDL, and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Colesevelam has been reported to be four to six times as potent as traditional bile acid sequestrants (BASs), perhaps because of its greater binding affinity for glycocholic acid. Unlike cholestyramine and colestipol, colesevelam appears to reduce LDL cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner. In clinical trials, colesevelam demonstrated efficacy either alone or in combination with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia. Combination therapy appeared to be more effective than monotherapy. Although infection, headache, and GI adverse effects have been reported for colesevelam, the rates do not differ significantly from those occurring with placebo. The constipation that typically hinders compliance with traditional BASs is minimal. In one study, the rate of compliance with colesevelam was 93%. There is little evidence of clinically significant interactions involving colesevelam. The maintenance dosage is three 625-mg tablets twice daily or six tablets once daily, taken with meals. Colesevelam provides an effective alternative to cholestyramine and colestipol while offering the potential for fewer adverse effects and better compliance. Studies are needed to directly compare colesevelam with traditional BASs.

Allylamine↗

Binding of Clostridium difficile cytotoxin and vancomycin by anion-exchange resins.

Cholestyramine and colestipol were tested for binding of Clostridium difficile cytotoxin with use of batch absorption and column chromatography. The toxin was bound by both resins and could not be eluted from cholestyramine with either an ionic of a pH gradient. Vancomycin bound to cholestyramine more strongly than to colestipol. Cholestyramine and vancomycin were also tested for therapeutic efficacy in the hamster model of clindamycin-induced cecitis. Both compounds delayed death and reduced levels of cytotoxin in stool; these effects were greatest for vancomycin. Use of the two compounds in combination reduced concentrations of biologically active vancomycin in stool, but the levels still exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for C. difficile. These data suggest that the therapeutic benefit of cholestyramine in some patients with antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis is due to its binding of the C. difficile cytotoxin. Since anion-exchange resins also bind vancomycin, caution is necessary if resins are used concurrently with vancomycin for therapy.

Absorption↗

The acceptability of resin therapy to patients attending a hospital lipid clinic.

Low dose cholestyramine ('Questran A') and colestipol ('Colestid Orange') were compared in a blinded two period crossover study of 55 patients attending a hospital lipid clinic. Colestipol was rated higher on a combined acceptability/palatability score. Both treatments reduced low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to a similar extent.

Adolescent↗

Differences among hyperlipoproteinaemic subjects in the response of lipoprotein lipids to resin therapy.

Ih has been reported that cholesterol turnover is raised when hypercholesterolaemia occurs in association with elevated levels of very low density lipoprotein, but normal when hypercholesterolaemia reflects an increase in the concentration of low density lipoprotein alone. The relationship of plasma lipoprotein levels to cholesterol metabolism has been further investigated in the present experiments, in which the acute effects on lipoprotein lipids of stimulating cholesterol turnover with a bile acid-sequestering resin, colestipol, have been compared in normal subjects and in patientw with four types of hyperlipoproteinaemia. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) lipids increased in every subject. The increase was greatest in patients with type IV or type V hyperlipoproteinaemia, least in normal subjects and in those with type IIa hyperlipoproteinaemia, and intermediate in patients with type IIb hyperlipoproteinaemia. The induced increments in VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride mass were accordingly positively correlated with the pre-treatment concentrations. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) lipids decreased during resin therapy in all subjects, except those with type IV or type V hyperlipoproteinaemia in whom there was a transient rise. The reductions in LDL cholesterol were significantly greater in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinaemia than in the normal volunteers, and in both groups of subjects were proportionately greater than those in LDL triglyceride. These findings demonstrated clear differences among the hyperlipoproteinaemias in the response of lipoprotein lipids to resin therapy, and profide further evidence for the heterogeneity of cholesterol metabolism in these conditions. The colestipol-induced changes in type UV and type V patients could be partially reproduced in normal subjects during the consumption of high carbohydrate diets, which might be expected to increase VLDL synthesis. It is suggested, therefore, that the synthesis of VLDL cholesterol may be enhanced in such patients, and that any rise in LDL cholesterol observed during resin therapy reflected subsequent metabolism of VLDL to LDL rather than diminished LDL cholesterol clearance.

Adult↗

Genetically determined apo B levels and peak LDL density predict angiographic response to intensive lipid-lowering therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Lipid-lowering therapy (LL-Rx) reduces coronary artery disease (CAD) but the response varies amongst individuals. We investigated the contribution of three genetic forms of dyslipidaemia characterized by elevated plasma apo B, familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCHL), and elevated Lp(a), to the angiographic response with LL-Rx. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-one men, with premature CAD and elevated plasma apo B, were selected in whom a genetic diagnosis was based on lipid phenotypes in relatives. Subjects received conventional (diet +/- colestipol) or intensive LL-Rx (niacin or lovastatin plus colestipol). Clinical parameters and CAD severity were measured before and after 2 years of treatment. Twenty-seven patients had FCHL, 12 FH and 12 elevated Lp(a). Regression of coronary stenosis was dependent on the effect of therapy (P < 0.001), genetic form of dyslipidaemia (P = 0.004) and the interaction between the two variables (P = 0.02). Significant regression of coronary stenosis occurred only in FCHL and Lp(a) (P = 0.03, vs. control groups); CAD progression was only slowed in FH. CONCLUSIONS: Three genetic forms of dyslipidaemia were associated with different angiographic outcomes during intensive LL-Rx. Different forms of dyslipidaemia therefore may require different lipid-lowering strategy. Patients with FH and buoyant LDL require more aggressive reduction of LDL cholesterol whilst those with either FCHL or elevated Lp(a) with dense LDL need LDL cholesterol reduction as well as therapies aimed at reduction of the small, dense LDL particles.

Adult↗

The familial hypercholesterolemia regression study: a randomized comparison of therapeutic reduction of both low-density lipoprotein and lipoprotein(a) versus low-density lipoprotein alone.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), especially in the presence of a raised low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C). To ascertain whether reduction of both LDL and Lp(a) is more advantageous than reduction of LDL alone, patients with heterozygous FH and CHD were selected randomly to receive either LDL apheresis fortnightly plus simvastatin 40 mg/day or colestipol 20 g plus simvastatin 40 mg/day. Quantitative coronary angiography was undertaken before and after 2.1 years. Changes in serum lipids were similar in both groups except for the greater reduction of LDL-C and Lp(a) by apheresis. There were no significant differences in primary angiographic endpoints, and none of the angiographic changes correlated with Lp(a). Although LDL apheresis plus simvastatin was more effective than colestipol plus simvastatin in reducing LDL-C and Lp(a), it was not more beneficial in influencing coronary atherosclerosis. Decreasing Lp(a) seems unnecessary if LDL-C is reduced below 130 mg/dl.

Colestipol↗

Effects of intensive lipid-lowering therapy on the coronary arteries of asymptomatic subjects with elevated apolipoprotein B.

BACKGROUND: Do the benefits of intensive lipid-lowering therapy seen in symptomatic patients extend to high-risk subjects who have never had symptoms? METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 120 men completing the FATS trial, 91 were symptomatic and 29 asymptomatic. All had apolipoprotein B > or = 125 mg/dL, a positive family history, and coronary atherosclerosis. All were counseled in diet and randomized to intensive therapy: colestipol 10 g TID plus either niacin 1 g QID or lovastatin 20 mg BID or to conventional therapy: placebos, or colestipol if low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was elevated. End points included quantitative arteriographic disease change and clinical events over a 2.5-year interval. At baseline, symptomatic and asymptomatic patients had comparable risk profiles, but proximal stenosis severity averaged 36% for symptomatic and 23% for asymptomatic patients (P < .001). Among the 91 symptomatic patients, those in the intensive group experienced definite (> or = 10%S) proximal lesion progression less frequently than conventional (24% of intensive versus 48% of conventional) and definite regression more frequently (36% of intensive versus 15% of conventional) (P = .009). Similarly, among the 29 asymptomatic patients, 19% of intensive versus 38% of conventional had progression and 31% of intensive versus 0% of conventional, regression (P = .04). Ischemia on baseline exercise tolerance testing was associated with significantly greater proximal disease progression among the asymptomatic patients. Clinical cardiovascular events (death, infarction, or revascularization) occurred in 10 of 38 symptomatic patients originally assigned to conventional therapy, compared with 5 of 76 symptomatic patients assigned to intensive (P < .01); no asymptomatic patient had an event. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic subjects with this high-risk profile have less coronary disease at baseline than comparable symptomatic patients, and they have an excellent short-term clinical prognosis. However, asymptomatic subjects are indistinguishable from symptomatic patients in terms of their arterial disease progression with conventional therapy and their regression with intensive. These findings may justify an active treatment strategy in such subjects, particularly those with provokable ischemia.

Adult↗

Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of rat hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase by thyroid hormones.

The mechanisms by which thyroid hormones increase hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase mRNA levels were investigated in hypophysectomized rats. Feeding these rats a diet supplemented with 0.5% desiccated porcine thyroid powder resulted in a 5-fold increase in the rate of transcription of the HMG-CoA reductase gene as measured by in vitro "run-on" transcription assays in isolated rat liver nuclei. Time courses of change in reductase mRNA, showing the kinetics of approach to new steady-state levels, indicate that reductase mRNA is also 4-6-fold more stable in thyroid hormone-treated animals than in non-treated animals. Reductase mRNA decayed with a half-life of 2.5 h when mevinolin, a potent inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, and colestipol, a bile acid sequesterant, were removed from the diet of hypophysectomized rats. When these drugs were removed from the diet of thyroid hormone-treated hypophysectomized rats, reductase mRNA decayed with a half-life of 15 h. Treating rats with only mevinolin and colestipol increased reductase mRNA levels without stabilizing the mRNA. Administration of cycloheximide to thyroid hormone treated rats rapidly decreased HMG-CoA reductase mRNA levels by destabilizing reductase mRNA and decreasing reductase gene transcription. Cycloheximide treatment had no effect on beta-actin gene transcription or steady state levels of beta-actin mRNA. These results suggest that a short-lived protein(s) may mediate the transcriptional and post-transcriptional effects of thyroid hormones on HMG-CoA reductase mRNA levels.

Actins↗

Serial coronary angiographic evidence that antioxidant vitamin intake reduces progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of supplementary and dietary vitamin E and C intake with the progression of coronary artery disease. DESIGN: A subgroup analysis of the on-trial antioxidant vitamin intake database acquired in the Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study, a randomized, placebo-controlled, serial angiographic clinical trial evaluating the risk and benefit of colestipol-niacin on coronary artery disease progression. SETTING: Community- and university-based cardiac catheterization laboratories. SUBJECTS: A total of 156 men aged 40 to 59 years with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery. INTERVENTION: Supplementary and dietary vitamin E and C intake (nonrandomized) in association with cholesterol-lowering diet and either colestipol-niacin or placebo (randomized). OUTCOME: Change per subject in the percentage of vessel diameter obstructed because of stenosis (%S) determined by quantitative coronary angiography after 2 years of randomized therapy on all lesions, mild/moderate lesions (< 50%S), and severe lesions (> or = 50%S). RESULTS: Overall, subjects with supplementary vitamin E intake of 100 IU per day or greater demonstrated less coronary artery lesion progression than did subjects with supplementary vitamin E intake less than 100 IU per day for all lesions (P = .04) and for mild/moderate lesions (P = .01). Within the drug group, benefit of supplementary vitamin E intake was found for all lesions (P = .02) and mild/moderate lesions (P = .01). Within the placebo group, benefit of supplementary vitamin E intake was not found. No benefit was found for use of supplementary vitamin C exclusively or in conjunction with supplementary vitamin E, use of multivitamins, or increased dietary intake of vitamin E or vitamin C. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate an association between supplementary vitamin E intake and angiographically demonstrated reduction in coronary artery lesion progression. Verification from carefully designed, randomized, serial arterial imaging end point trials is needed.

Adult↗

Effective therapy of enteric hyperoxaluria: in vitro binding of oxalate by anion-exchange resins and aluminum hydroxide.

Hyperabsorption of dietary oxalate is a major factor in the pathogenesis of enteric hyperoxaluria and a frequent complication of inflammatory bowel disease and ileojejunal bypass surgery. Successful treatment requires reduction in oxalate intake or inhibition of absorption of dietary oxalate by oral ingestion of oxalate binding agents. To identify such agents, oxalate binding by anion-exchange resins, gums, and aluminum hydroxide was measured under conditions that simulated those present in the intestinal lumen. Of the agents tested, those that bound oxalate best were colestipol and aluminum hydroxide. Strongly basic anion-exchange resins readily bound oxalate only in the absence of chloride. These results suggest that colestipol and aluminum hydroxide administration might reduce dietary oxalate absorption in patients with enteric hyperoxaluria.

Adsorption↗

Colesevelam hydrochloride: a novel bile acid-binding resin.

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse effects of colesevelam hydrochloride, a bile acid-binding resin. METHODS: MEDLINE searches (1966-June 2000) and manufacturer prescribing literature were employed to find articles on colesevelam. Additional studies and abstracts were identified from the bibliographies of reviewed literature. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All articles identified from data sources were evaluated, and all information deemed relevant was included in this review. Priority was given to randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. FINDINGS: Colesevelam HCl is a nonabsorbed hydrogel with bile acid sequestrant properties. Monotherapy using colesevelam in once-daily or two divided daily doses of 1.5-4.5 g has produced significant reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Mean LDL cholesterol decreases to 20% have been noted when the patient is on 3.75-4.5 g/d. Increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol have been observed (up to 9%), whereas triglycerides (TG) have increased significantly to 25% in some studies. In unpublished studies, combined use of colesevelam plus hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor have produced greater reductions in LDL cholesterol than either the statin or colesevelam administered alone. The efficacy of colesevelam monotherapy is slightly less than or similar to cholestyramine or colestipol in decreasing LDL cholesterol, although colesevelam is more potent on a gram-to-gram basis. Adverse effects have been minimal with colesevelam in published studies; this suggests an advantage over cholestyramine or colestipol therapy. Colesevelam appears to be more cost-effective than the packet dosage form of the brand formulation of the older bile acid resins. Care in selection of an appropriate agent should be exercised when considering the issues of adverse effects and palatability. CONCLUSIONS: Colesevelam alone or combined with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is effective in the reduction of total and LDL cholesterol. Since colesevelam is formulated as a tablet, problems with palatability such as with the powder formulation of the bile acid-binding resins are likely to be eliminated.

Adult↗

Pravastatin. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential in hypercholesterolaemia.

Pravastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which reduces plasma cholesterol levels by inhibiting de novo cholesterol synthesis and increasing the receptor-mediated catabolism of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Several large multicentre placebo-controlled trials have shown that pravastatin reduces total and LDL-cholesterol levels in a dose-proportional manner in patients with familial or nonfamilial hypercholesterolaemia. Reductions in LDL-cholesterol levels reported in the largest study were 18% (10 mg/day), 23% (20 mg/day) and 31% (40 mg/day) after 12 weeks. Once-daily administration appears to be as effective as two daily doses. Pravastatin consistently increases HDL-cholesterol levels and decreases levels of total triglycerides but these changes are not dose dependent. At the study dosages used, the antihypercholesterolaemic effects of pravastatin were superior to those of bezafibrate and clinofibrate, and were similar to those of simvastatin, lovastatin, gemfibrozil and cholestyramine although in some studies a trend towards a superior effect with pravastatin was seen. Pravastatin did not reduce HDL-cholesterol like probucol, or increase triglyceride levels like cholestyramine. Combined treatment with pravastatin and cholestyramine or colestipol enhances the cholesterol-lowering effects of either drug administered alone and offsets the increase in total triglyceride levels seen with cholestyramine or colestipol therapy. Pravastatin is well tolerated during treatment of up to 24 months but longer term tolerability has not yet been established. The effect of provastatin on cardiovascular events related to elevated plasma cholesterol levels is under investation in several large scale regression and primary and secondary prevention trials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗