Abstract
Though the exact physiology and pathology of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] remains unknown, it has been demonstrated that increased serum Lp(a) levels are correlated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease. The effects of lipid-lowering drugs on Lp(a) levels is unclear because of inconsistencies between study designs. This study analyzes the effects of the commonly used lipid-lowering drugs pravastatin (PRAV), lovastatin (LOV), and cholestyramine (CHOL) on serum Lp(a) and other serum lipid levels in a parallel study design. Hyperlipidemic men (n=32) were enrolled from three centers and treated for 48 weeks in a multicenter clinical trial using PRAV, LOV, CHOL, or a placebo (for the first 16 weeks only). Baseline serum low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), and triglycerides were 199±38, 40±9, and 160±70 mg/dl, respectively. At the end of 48 weeks, serum plasma LDL-C declined in patients randomized to PRAV, LOV, and CHOL, respectively, by 31%, 29%, and 23% (all p<0.001); HDL increased by 4%, 11%, and 11% (all p<0.001); and TG changed by -16%, -28%, and + 43% (all p<0.001). Subjects in PRAV and LOV changed Lp(a) by 9% and 3%, respectively. Although there was an initial Lp(a) decline in the first 8 weeks of CHOL therapy (p<0.05, ANOVA), this returned to baseline after 48 weeks. In this parallel study design PRAV, LOV, and CHOL are effective LDL-lowering medications with minimal effects on plasma Lp(a).
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 677-684 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 1995 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology (medical)
Keywords
- cholestyramine
- hyperlipidemia
- lipoprotein (a)
- lovastatin
- pravastatin