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Short-term triglyceride lowering with fenofibrate improves vasodilator function in subjects with
Warren H Capell1, Christopher A DeSouza, Paul Poirier
1Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA. warren.capell@uchsc.edu
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|February 18, 2003
Summary
Lowering plasma triglycerides (TGs) with fenofibrate improved endothelial function in hypertriglyceridemic individuals. This study highlights improved vascular smooth muscle function without affecting insulin resistance or other lipoproteins.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Hypertriglyceridemia is linked to vascular dysfunction.
- The role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in this process requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of reducing plasma triglycerides (TGs) on endothelial function.
- To explore the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in hypertriglyceridemia-associated vascular dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blinded, crossover study involving 11 hypertriglyceridemic subjects.
- Forearm blood flow assessed via plethysmography during infusions of acetylcholine, nitroprusside, and verapamil.
- 24-hour metabolic profiling and post-heparin FFA measurements.
Main Results:
- Fenofibrate significantly reduced plasma TGs, total cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B.
- Endothelial function, measured by forearm blood flow responses, significantly improved after fenofibrate treatment.
- Fenofibrate tended to lower 24-hour and post-heparin FFAs.
Conclusions:
- Lowering plasma TGs improves vascular smooth muscle function independently of changes in other lipoproteins or insulin resistance.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the role of FFAs in hypertriglyceridemia-related vascular dysfunction.