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Inhibitory action of gemfibrozil on cholesterol absorption in rat intestine

Y Umeda1, Y Kako, K Mizutani

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Showa General Hospital, Japan.

Journal of Lipid Research
|August 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Gemfibrozil was found to inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption in rats. This lipid-lowering drug reduced the transport of cholesterol from the intestine into the lymph.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • Gemfibrozil is a lipid-lowering drug used to treat hyperlipidemia.
  • Understanding its effects on intestinal lipid absorption is crucial for its therapeutic application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of gemfibrozil on intestinal lipid absorption in rats.
  • To determine if gemfibrozil inhibits the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Main Methods:

  • Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered gemfibrozil orally for 14 days.
  • Radiolabeled triolein and cholesterol were infused intraduodenally, along with gemfibrozil.
  • Lymphatic and intestinal levels of radioactivity were measured to assess lipid absorption.

Main Results:

  • Gemfibrozil significantly reduced lymphatic cholesterol transport.
  • More radioactive cholesterol remained in the intestinal lumen and mucosa of gemfibrozil-treated rats.
  • While triglyceride transport was not significantly affected, more triglycerides remained in the intestinal lumen.

Conclusions:

  • Gemfibrozil inhibits cholesterol absorption in the rat intestine.
  • The drug increases biliary cholesterol excretion.
  • These findings suggest a direct impact of gemfibrozil on intestinal lipid handling.

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