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PPAR alpha activator fenofibrate inhibits myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in angiotensin II-infused rats.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha is highly expressed in the heart. PPAR alpha may play a role in cardiac hypertrophy, but effects on cardiac function, inflammation, and fibrosis are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the PPAR alpha activator fenofibrate prevents myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in angiotensin (Ang) II-infused rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sprague Dawley rats received Ang II (120 ng/kg/min subcutaneously), fenofibrate (100 mg/kg/d p.o.), or Ang II + fenofibrate. After 7 d, systolic blood pressure (mmHg) was elevated (P < 0.01) in Ang II-infused rats (173 +/- 4) vs. controls (115 +/- 2) and reduced by fenofibrate (137 +/- 5). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that Ang II upregulated cardiac nuclear factor kappa B activity by 50%. Ang II significantly increased cardiac expression of vascular-cell adhesion molecule-1, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Increases in expression of these inflammatory mediators were normalized by fenofibrate. Ang II-induced expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1, collagen deposition, and macrophage infiltration were partially prevented by fenofibrate. CONCLUSIONS: The PPAR alpha activator fenofibrate prevented development of hypertension, and improved myocardial inflammation and collagen deposition in Ang II-infused rats. The hypolipidemic drug fenofibrate may be useful in prevention and treatment of myocardial disease associated with hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Angiotensin II↗

Comparison of the effects of atorvastatin or fenofibrate on nonlipid biochemical risk factors and the LDL particle size in subjects with combined hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: Combined hyperlipidemia (CH) is an increasingly prevalent risk factor for premature heart disease, and its treatment is troublesome. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of atorvastatin and fenofibrate on nonlipid biochemical risk factors and the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size in subjects with CH. METHODS: Twenty-nine middle-aged men with CH were randomly assigned to open-label therapy with atorvastatin (10 mg daily) or micronized fenofibrate (200 mg daily); they were sequentially treated with both drugs, with crossover of medication after 10 weeks. RESULTS: Atorvastatin was more efficient in the reduction of total cholesterol, whereas fenofibrate was more efficient in the reduction of triglycerides. Only atorvastatin led to a significant reduction of LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Only fenofibrate increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Neither drug influenced lipoprotein(a). Mean LDL particle size increased both after fenofibrate (3.08%) and atorvastatin (1.77%). Fenofibrate increased serum homocysteine (HCY) by 36.5%. Atorvastatin had no effect on HCY. Only atorvastatin increased fibrinogen by 17.4%. Only fenofibrate reduced C-reactive protein by 51.7%. Neither drug influenced HOMA (homeostasis model assessment) index of insulin resistance. The plasma level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, an index of oxidative stress, decreased after both treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Both atorvastatin and fenofibrate had similar beneficial effects on LDL particle size and on oxidative stress. The effects of both drugs on other parameters such as triglycerides, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fibrinogen, or HCY differed significantly. These differences, together with the risk profile of a patient, should be considered during selection of a particular lipid-lowering modality.

Apolipoproteins B↗

Combined effect of coenzyme Q10 and fenofibrate on forearm microcirculatory function in type 2 diabetes.

Arteriopathy is the principal complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It develops from endothelial dysfunction, which we have hypothesised occurs in diabetes primarily as a consequence of dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress. Fenofibrate and CoQ may improve endothelial function by regulating dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress, respectively. We therefore aimed to assess the independent and combined effects of fenofibrate and coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ) on endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilator function of the forearm microcirculation in type 2 diabetes. Eighty dyslipidaemic type 2 diabetics were randomized to receive fenofibrate (200 mg/daily), CoQ (200 mg/daily), fenofibrate plus CoQ (200+200 mg daily), or placebo for 12 weeks. Forearm microcirculatory function was assessed with venous occlusion plethysmography during the infusion of acetylcholine (ACh), bradykinin (BK), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) into the brachial artery. Blood flow responses were calculated as area under the curve (AUC). Fenofibrate significantly lowered plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and fibrinogen (P<0.001), and elevated HDL-cholesterol and homocysteine (P<0.001). CoQ did not change plasma isoprostanes, but significantly lowered systolic blood pressure and HbA(1c) (P<0.05). Fenofibrate plus CoQ significantly improved (P<0.05) the AUC for ACh, BK and SNP without significantly altering basal responses to L-NMMA. Fenofibrate or CoQ alone did not significantly alter blood flow responses. Improvements in blood flow were independent of changes in plasma lipids, blood pressure, homocysteine and isoprostanes, but were correlated (P=0.013) with HbA(1c). In conclusion, in this factorial trial we found that only the combination of fenofibrate and CoQ markedly improved endothelial and non-endothelial forearm vasodilator function in dyslipidemic type 2 diabetic patients. The favourable vascular effect of this therapeutic combination could be due to increase in the bioactivity of and/or responses to endothelium-derived relaxing factors, including nitric oxide, and this may entail synergistic stimulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.

Acetylcholine↗

The effect of fenofibrate treatment on endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by oxidative modified low density lipoprotein from hyperlipidemic patients.

The objective of the research project was to investigate whether fenofibrate treatment may alter the biochemical content of the oxidized LDL and consequently its ability to impair the endothelium-dependent relaxation in hyperlipidemic patients. We hypothesized that fenofibrate treatment of hyperlipidemic patients may attenuate the ability of their oxidized LDL to impair the endothelium-dependent relaxation of the blood vessels as a consequence of fenofibrate-induced changes to the content and composition of lysoPC in the LDL molecule. Hyperlipidemic patients (Type IIb and Type IV) were recruited from the Lipid Clinic, HSC, Winnipeg, Canada, for this study. A blood sample was taken immediately after the recruitment, a second sample was taken after 6 weeks of dietary treatment, and a third sample was taken after 8 weeks of fenofibrate treatment. LDL was isolated from the plasma and oxidized by copper sulfate. Fenofibrate was shown to be highly effect in the reduction of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in these patients. Fenofibrate treatment also caused the attenuation of impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation by the oxidized LDL from these patients. A slight reduction of lysophosphatidylcholine level was also found in the oxidized LDL of the fenofibrate treated patients, relative to LDL isolated after dietary treatment. In addition there were no changes in the fatty acid levels of the lysophosphatidylcholine isolated from LDL. Taken together, our results suggest that while the reduced lysophosphatidylcholine levels may contribute to the attenuated impairment of the endothelium-dependent relaxation of the aortic ring, other unidentified factors impacted by fenofibrate are likely to contribute to the attenuated effects.

Acetylcholine↗

Reduction of palmitate-induced cardiac apoptosis by fenofibrate.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a strategy based on alteration of lipid metabolism would moderate the cellular toxicity of the C16:0 saturated fatty acid-palmitate. Cardiomyocytes from neonatal mice and embryonic chicks were treated with palmitate and both oncotic and apoptotic death were observed. Fenofibrate pretreatment, 1 microM, 24 h prior to palmitate, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced palmitate-induced apoptosis. In contrast, fenofibrate had no significant effect on palmitate-induced apoptosis when fenofibrate treatment was concomitant with palmitate. The protective effect of fenofibrate was restricted to the apoptotic population. The more potent and specific PPARalpha agonist WY 14643, 1 microM, also reduced palmitate-induced apoptosis but to a smaller extent than fenofibrate. The long pretreatment time, 24 h, was necessary to show fenofibrate's effect on apoptosis, suggesting an increase in gene transcription and protein expression. Indeed, fenofibrate increased PPARalpha expression that was mainly demonstrated in the nucleus. These data suggest a novel approach to the reduction of cardiac apoptosis by the chronic treatment with the PPARalpha agonist fenofibrate.

Animals↗

Qualitative effect of fenofibrate and quantitative effect of atorvastatin on LDL profile in combined hyperlipidemia with dense LDL.

INTRODUCTION: The association of elevated plasma triglyceride concentrations, decreased HDL-cholesterol, and dense LDL (dLDL) is referred to as the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype. dLDL particularly plays a role in the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes and may be one of the factors responsible for the increased risk for coronary artery disease in these patients. The effect of fenofibrate and atorvastatin on the LDL subfraction profile in patients with combined hyperlipidemia and a preponderance of dLDL was studied in a sequential design. METHODS: Six male patients with combined hyperlipidemia and dLDL received 160 mg/die supra-bioavailable fenofibrate. After a washout phase of 8 weeks all patients received 10 mg/die atorvastatin for another 8 weeks. At baseline, after fenofibrate, and after atorvastatin treatment LDL subfractions were analyzed by equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifugation. RESULTS: Treatment with atorvastatin and fenofibrate reduced serum cholesterol by 30 % and 21 % (p = 0.046) (p-values for differences between treatment groups), triglycerides by 32 % and 45 %, LDL cholesterol by 28 % and 16 %, and increased HDL cholesterol by 3 % and 6 %, respectively. Atorvastatin and fenofibrate treatment resulted in the following changes of apoB and LDL subfractions: LDL-1 (1.019 - 1.031 kg/L) - 31 % and + 15 % (p = 0.028); LDL-2 (1.031 - 1.034 kg/L) - 14 % and + 57 % (p = 0.028); LDL-3 (1.034 - 1.037 kg/L) - 20 % and + 30 % (p = 0.028); LDL-4 (1.037 - 1.040 kg/L) - 25 % and - 6 %; LDL-5 (1.040 - 1.044 kg/L) - 29 % and - 38 %; and LDL-6 (1.044 - 1.063 kg/L) - 39 % and - 55 % (p = 0.028). As a consequence, fenofibrate reduced LDL density significantly (p = 0.028 versus atorvastatin). CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin decreased all LDL-subfractions to a similar extent (quantitative effect) whereas fenofibrate reduced predominantly dLDL and changed the LDL profile towards medium dense LDL-particles (qualitative effect). Since medium dense LDL have a higher affinity to the LDL-receptor fenofibrate may have a higher antiatherogenic potential than assessed by the reduction of total LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides alone.

Adult↗

Induction of the phospholipid transfer protein gene accounts for the high density lipoprotein enlargement in mice treated with fenofibrate.

Fibrate treatment in mice is known to modulate high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism by regulating apolipoprotein (apo)AI and apoAII gene expression. In addition to alterations in plasma HDL levels, fibrates induce the emergence of large, cholesteryl ester-rich HDL in treated transgenic mice expressing human apoAI (HuAITg). The mechanisms of these changes may not be restricted to the modulation of apolipoprotein gene expression, and the aim of the present study was to determine whether the expression of factors known to affect HDL metabolism (i.e. phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, and hepatic lipase) are modified in fenofibrate-treated mice. Significant rises in plasma PLTP activity were observed after 2 weeks of fenofibrate treatment in both wild-type and HuAITg mice. Simultaneously, hepatic PLTP mRNA levels increased in a dose-dependent fashion. In contrast to PLTP, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase mRNA levels in HuAITg mice were not significantly modified by fenofibrate despite a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol esterification activity. Fenofibrate did not induce any change in hepatic lipase activity. Fenofibrate significantly increased HDL size, an effect that was more pronounced in HuAITg mice than in wild-type mice. This effect in wild-type mice was completely abolished in PLTP-deficient mice. Finally, fenofibrate treatment did not influence PLTP activity or hepatic mRNA in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha-deficient mice. It is concluded that 1) fenofibrate treatment increases plasma phospholipid transfer activity as the result of up-regulation of PLTP gene expression through a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha-dependent mechanism, and 2) increased plasma PLTP levels account for the marked enlargement of HDL in fenofibrate-treated mice.

Animals↗

Fenofibrate induces a novel degradation pathway for scavenger receptor B-I independent of PDZK1.

Fibrate drugs improve cardiovascular health by lowering plasma triglycerides, normalize low density lipoprotein levels, and raise high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in patients with dyslipidemias. The HDL-raising effect of fibrates has been shown to be due in part to an increase in human apolipoprotein AI gene expression. However, it has recently been shown that fibrates can affect HDL metabolism in mouse by significantly decreasing hepatic levels of the HDL receptor scavenger receptor B-I (SR-BI) and the PDZ domain containing protein PDZK1. PDZK1 is essential for maintaining hepatic SR-BI levels. Therefore, decreased SR-BI might be secondary to decreased PDZK1, but the mechanism by which fibrates lower SR-BI has not been elucidated. Here we show that feeding PDZK1-deficient mice fenofibrate resulted in the near absence of SR-BI in liver, definitively demonstrating that the effect of fenofibrate on SR-BI is PDZK1-independent. Metabolic labeling experiments in primary hepatocytes from fenofibrate-fed mice demonstrated that fenofibrate enhanced the degradation of SR-BI in a post-endoplasmic reticulum compartment. Moreover, fenofibrate-induced degradation of SR-BI was independent of the proteasome, calpain protease, or the lysosome, and antioxidants did not inhibit fenofibrate-induced degradation of SR-BI. Using metabolic labeling coupled with cell surface biotinylation assays, fenofibrate did not inhibit SR-BI trafficking to the plasma membrane. Together, the data support a model in which fenofibrate enhances the degradation of SR-BI in a post-ER, post-plasma membrane compartment. The further elucidation of this novel degradation pathway may provide new insights into the physiological and pathophysiological regulation of hepatic SR-BI.

Animals↗

Effect of fenofibrate on lipoprotein(a) in hypertriglyceridemic patients: impact of change in triglyceride level and liver function.

We investigated the effect of fenofibrate on lipoprotein(a)levels in hypertriglyceridemic patients and the parameters relating to its effect. Patients with a triglyceride level >/=300 mg/dL or with a triglyceride level >/=200 mg/dL and a high density lipoprotein cholesterol level </=40 mg/dL were treated either with 200 mg of fenofibrate(Fenofibrate group, n = 56) or with general measures (Control group,n = 56). Lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured at baseline and 2 months. Baseline lipoprotein(a) levels were negatively correlated with triglyceride (r = 20.30, P = 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase levels (r = 20.24, P = 0.012). Fenofibrate therapy increased lipoprotein(a) level from 9.4 6 10.6 to 15.6 6 17.5 mg/dL (P = 0.000). The more triglyceride levels decreased, the more lipoprotein(a) levels increased in all subjects (r = 20.46, P = 0.000) and in Control (r =20.35, P = 0.008) and Fenofibrate groups (r = 20.35, P = 0.008). Fenofibrate elevated lipoprotein(a) level greater in patients with a normal liver function. When Fenofibrate group was divided into two subgroups according to the degree of percentage change in lipoprotein(a) level, change in triglyceride level and alanine aminotransferase level were independent predictors by forward logistic regression analysis. In summary, fenofibrate therapy increases lipoprotein(a) level,and this elevation is associated with change in triglyceride level and liver function.

Aged↗

Safety of fenofibrate--US and worldwide experience.

Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative with enhanced potency and specificity of action on lipids. Preclinical toxicology reveals minimal toxic effects; dose-related changes occurred seldom, with only hepatic effects in rodents (mainly enzyme changes), some renal effects in dogs, and no reactions in monkeys. Teratogenicity tests were negative, and mutagenicity was not associated with fenofibrate. Carcinogenicity was evident in rodents with liver carcinoma at doses of 12 or 40 times the human dose, but cancer has not been associated with fenofibrate in over 10 years of clinical research and use. European experience with fenofibrate involved 7,145 patients in short- and long-term clinical trials, plus 10 years of marketing experience with a patient exposure of 6 million patient-years. Adverse effects were relatively low in frequency (6%) in the European clinical trials and manifested as gastrointestinal effects, muscle pain, skin problems, and sweating or dizziness. Short- and long-term fenofibrate studies revealed basically the same scope and frequency of adverse effects. Experience in US clinical trials mirrored the European experience; three types of adverse effects occurred more commonly in fenofibrate patients versus placebo: skin reactions, neurologic effects, and musculoskeletal reactions. Laboratory tests were mildly abnormal for liver function, leukocytes, and hemoglobin; these reactions were significant enough to be considered adverse drug experiences only occasionally. Hepatobiliary tests for lithogenicity showed an increase in cholesterol saturation, but gallstones seldom have been associated with fenofibrate. Postmarketing, open experiences in Europe over 10 years have been consistent with the study results. The rate of reactions has been low (about 115/year or a 0.3% incidence rate). The reactions noted in these spontaneous reports were hepatic, renal, gallstones, cutaneous, hematologic, sexual asthenia, and weight loss. In general, fenofibrate can be considered a safe and well-tolerated lipid-lowering drug that has been scrutinized extensively for safety in clinical research and during an already long marketing period in Europe.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Review of clinical studies of fenofibrate in combination with currently approved lipid-lowering drugs.

Recent trials have investigated the usefulness of fenofibrate, alone and in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies, in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Studies of fenofibrate + bile acid sequestrants demonstrate that these two therapies may have an additive effect in reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia or familial hypercholesterolemia. These lipoprotein changes have been associated with a regression of tendon xanthoma. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that bile acid sequestrants do not alter the absorption or the plasma levels of fenofibrate. The combined use of fenofibrate with bile acid sequestrants has been found to be comparably effective with the new 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, synvinolin, with respect to the reduction of total cholesterol and LDL. Although synvinolin was more effective in lowering LDL, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced to a greater extent with fenofibrate. Another notable difference was that fenofibrate + bile acids more markedly increased HDL levels. The combination of fenofibrate + nicotinic acid also appears to have a beneficial effect on lipoproteins. These preliminary results indicate that fenofibrate may be a useful addition to the present lipid-lowering drug armamentarium.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗

Comparative effects of atorvastatin, simvastatin, and fenofibrate on serum homocysteine levels in patients with primary hyperlipidemia.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is regarded as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lipid-lowering agents, such as fibrates, can modify homocysteine levels. However, less is known about the effect of statin therapy on homocysteine. The authors compared the effects of atorvastatin (40 mg/day), simvastatin (40 mg/day), and micronized fenofibrate (200 mg/day) on the serum concentrations of total homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid in patients with primary hyperlipidemia. A total of 128 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol > 240 mg/dL and triglycerides < 350 mg/dL) were assigned to atorvastatin, simvastatin, or fenofibrate. Serum lipid and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. Homocysteine correlated positively with serum creatinine and uric acid levels and inversely with serum folic acid levels. All treatment modalities reduced total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels significantly increased only in the fenofibrate-treated patients (47.9 +/- 12.5 vs. 50.7 +/- 12.6 vs. 51.2 +/- 12.8 mg/dL, p < 0.01). Atorvastatin and fenofibrate treatment resulted in a significant reduction of serum uric acid levels (5.3 +/- 1.6 vs. 4.9 +/- 1.4 vs. 4.8 +/- 1.4 mg/dL, p < 0.0001 for atorvastatin; 5.6 +/- 1.6 vs. 4.3 +/- 1.4 vs. 4.4 +/- 1.4 mg/dL, p < 0.0001 for fenofibrate). Homocysteine levels were significantly increased only by fenofibrate (10.3 +/- 3.3 vs. 14.1 +/- 3.8 vs. 14.2 +/- 3.6 microU/L, p < 0.001) but did not change from baseline following statin treatment. Neither statins nor fenofibrate had any effect on serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. In contrast to fenofibrate, therapeutic dosages of atorvastatin and simvastatin have a neutral effect on serum homocysteine levels, which is in favor of their "cardioprotective" properties.

Analysis of Variance↗

Interaction between fenofibrate and warfarin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the potentiation of warfarin's anticoagulation effect, which occurred in two patients, was due to an interaction with fenofibrate. CASE SUMMARY: Two patients developed significant potentiation of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin while receiving fenofibrate. In one patient we followed published guidelines to test the potential interaction, including rechallenge twice, and measurements of factors II, V, and VII and liver enzymes to ensure the authenticity of the interaction. We confirmed the interaction by noting that the international normalized ratio (INR) increased with rechallenge, the clotting factor concentrations decreased in concert with the INR, and no other laboratory or clinical factors accounted for this potentiation of the oral anticoagulant affect. DISCUSSION: We previously developed criteria specifically for determining the strength of inferred causation in reports of drug interactions with oral anticoagulants; these criteria were adapted from previously described principles of causality assessment. Our observations in two patients suggest a "highly probable" potentiating interaction between fenofibrate and warfarin. Our data do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions on a mechanism of interaction, but fenofibrate is an oral antilipemic agent, similar to clofibrate, that has been described as potentiating oral anticoagulants by affecting coagulation factor synthesis, likely by altering receptor synthesis. Our finding of lower concentrations of coagulation factors suggests a similar mechanism for fenofibrate. Recent data suggest that lipid lowering is effective for primary and secondary prevention of cardiac events. One might therefore expect to see an increase in the use of the various lipid-lowering agents in patients who receive long-term anticoagulation. Our results indicate that the potential for an exaggerated anticoagulant effect occurs within 5-10 days in patients treated with fenofibrate who are receiving long-term anticoagulation with warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: Fenofibrate potentiates the effect of warfarin. Serial monitoring of the INR, at least three times per week, is therefore strongly recommended when initiating fenofibrate therapy in patients receiving warfarin.

Anticoagulants↗

Influence of PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate on insulin sensitivity and selected adipose tissue-derived hormones in obese women with type 2 diabetes.

PPAR-alpha agonists improve insulin sensitivity in rodent models of obesity/insulin resistance, but their effects on insulin sensitivity in humans are less clear. We measured insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinemic-isoglycemic clamp in 10 obese females with type 2 diabetes before and after three months of treatment with PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate and studied the possible role of the changes in endocrine function of adipose tissue in the metabolic effects of fenofibrate. At baseline, body mass index, serum glucose, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin and atherogenic index were significantly elevated in obese women with type 2 diabetes, while serum HDL cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower than in the control group (n=10). No differences were found in serum resistin levels between obese and control group. Fenofibrate treatment decreased serum triglyceride concentrations, while both blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin increased after three months of fenofibrate administration. Serum adiponectin or resistin concentrations were not significantly affected by fenofibrate treatment. All parameters of insulin sensitivity as measured by hyperinsulinemic-isoglycemic clamp were significantly lower in an obese diabetic group compared to the control group before treatment and were not affected by fenofibrate administration. We conclude that administration of PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate for three months did not significantly affect insulin sensitivity or resistin and adiponectin concentrations in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The lack of insulin-sensitizing effects of fenofibrate in humans relative to rodents could be due to a generally lower PPAR-alpha expression in human liver and muscle.

Adipokines↗

Fenofibrate for patients with asymptomatic primary biliary cirrhosis.

AIM: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic, cholestatic disease of autoimmune etiology, the histology of which shows a destruction of the intrahepatic bile duct and portal inflammation. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is now used as a first-line drug for asymptomatic PBC (aPBC) because it is reported that UDCA decreases mortality and prolongs the time of liver transplantation. However, only 20-30% of patients respond fully to UDCA. Recently, lipoprotein-lowering agents have been found to be effective for PBC. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of fenofibrate, a member of the fibrate class of hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory agent via peroxysome proliferatory-activated receptor alpha, in patients with aPBC. METHODS: Fenofibrate was administered for twelve weeks in nine patients with aPBC who failed to respond to UDCA. UDCA was used along with fenofibrate during the study. The data from aPBC patients were analyzed to assess the biochemical effect of fenofibrate during the study. RESULTS: The serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (285+/-114.8 IU/L) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) (255.8+/-85.9 mg/dl) significantly decreased to 186.9+/-76.2 IU/L and 192.9+/-67.5 mg/dL respectively, after fenofibrate treatment in patients with aPBC (P<0.05). Moreover, the titer of antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) also decreased in 4 of 9 patients with aPBC. No adverse reactions were observed in any patients. CONCLUSION: Fenofibrate appears to be significantly effective in treating patients with aPBC who respond incompletely to UDCA alone. Although the mechanism of fenofibrate on aPBC has not yet been fully clarified, combination therapy using fenofibrate and UDCA might be related to the anti-immunological effects, such as the suppression of AMA production as well as its anti-inflammatory effect.

Adult↗

[Fenofibrate increases blood creatinine, but does not change the glomerular filtration rate in patients with mild renal insufficiency].

Fenofibrate is a potent hypolipemic agent, widely used in patients with mild to severe renal failure in whom hyperlipoproteinemia is frequent. A moderate reversible increase in creatinine plasma levels has been reported with fenofibrate therapy; however, it is not known whether this increased creatininemia reflects a fenofibrate induced alteration of renal function or if fenofibrate interferes with creatinine tubular handling. We prospectively examined the effect of 2 weeks fenofibrate treatment (200 mg daily) on renal function in thirteen hyperlipidemic patients with normal renal function or mild to moderate renal failure (Creat Cl: 110 to 30 ml/min). This study confirms that fenofibrate therapy significantly increases creatininemia in patients with mild to moderate renal failure (147 +/- 12 versus 170 +/- 15 mmol/l; p = 0.014), but does not alter renal hemodynamic nor glomerular filtration rate as assessed by the stability of PAH (304 +/- 56 versus 311 +/- 49 ml/min; p = NS) and inulin clearances (51.7 +/- 6 versus 52.3 +/- 7 ml/min; p = NS). The increase in creatininemia is neither due to an inhibition of creatinine tubular excretion, since no change in creatinine clearance was observed (69 +/- 8 versus 68 +/- 8 ml/min; p = NS), but appears to be associated to a parallel increase in creatinine daily urinary excretion (13.7 +/- 5 versus 15.4 +/- 4 mmol; p = 0.03). In conclusion, fenofibrate therapy in renal patients does not worsen renal function, nor diminish the reliability of creatinine clearance for its follow-up in spite of a significant rise in creatininemia. The mechanism of the fenofibrate-induced increase in urinary creatinine excretion remains to be determined.

Aged↗

Fenofibrate lowers blood pressure in two genetic models of hypertension.

Fenofibrate, a commonly used lipid lowering drug, induces the expression of the gene coding for cytochrome P450-4A, whose major product is 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). 20-HETE, a potassium channel antagonist, could increase or decrease blood pressure (BP). We studied the effects of four weeks of oral fenofibrate on BP, urine output (UVol), plasma renin activity (PRA), and urine protein excretion in young (4-5 weeks) stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), older (25 weeks) SHRSP, Dahl salt sensitive rats (Dahl S) on a high salt diet, Dahl S rats on a normal salt diet, and normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Fenofibrate prevented the increase in BP in 4-5 week old SHRSP, reduced BP in 25 week old SHRSP, but had no effect on BP in normotensive SD rats. Similarly, fenofibrate prevented the increase in BP in Dahl S rats on a high salt diet, but had no effect in Dahl S rats on a low salt diet. Fenofibrate increased UVol (and reduced weight gain) in young SHRSP and tended to increase it in other groups. It also increased PRA 2 to 5-fold in all groups except older SHRSP. Young SHRSP receiving fenofibrate excreted significantly less urine protein than control rats. The drug reduced proteinuria in Dahl S rats on high salt diet, but had no significant effect on proteinuria in other groups. In summary, fenofibrate reduced blood pressure and weight gain, increased UVol and PRA, and reduced urine protein excretion in young SHRSP. Other groups of animals showed these changes to a variable, but directionally similar extent. These findings are consistent with a natriuretic effect of fenofibrate.

Animals↗

Effect of fenofibrate on plasma concentration and urinary excretion of purine bases and oxypurinol.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether fenofibrate increases the clearance of purine bases (hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid) and oxypurinol. METHODS: We administered fenofibrate (150 mg) 3 times a day for 3 days, and then allopurinol (300 mg) 4 h after the last administration of fenofibrate, to 5 healthy subjects. Ten hours later, a clearance study was done. RESULTS: Following 3 day administration of fenofibrate, fractional clearance of xanthine, uric acid, and oxypurinol increased by 41% (p < 0.05), 101% (p < 0.01), and 51% (p < 0.01), respectively, compared to baseline values, while the respective plasma concentrations decreased by 46% (p < 0.05), 46% (p < 0.05), and 19% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, or fenofibrate derivatives can increase fractional clearance of xanthine, uric acid, and oxypurinol by acting on their common renal pathways. It is suggested that the hypouricemic effect of combination therapy using allopurinol and fenofibrate may be less than additive.

Adult↗