Etofibrate treatment alters low density lipoprotein susceptibility to lipid peroxidation

The effect of the lipid lowering drug etofibrate was investigated on lipid peroxidation as well as on cholesterol level. Rabbits were given a 0.1% cholesterol containing diet. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and lipid peroxidation, expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive products, were determined. Treatment with etofibrate led to a marked decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Furthermore, Cu(2+)-induced lipid peroxide formation was reduced in etofibrate treated rabbits. These results could be confirmed in a human study when patients with moderate hypercholesterolaemia were treated with etofibrate (2 x 500 mg/day) for a period of eight weeks. It could be shown that the onset of lipid peroxidation was remarkably increased, an effect which was completely reversible. Thus, etofibrate is effective not only in lowering plasma cholesterol but also in rendering LDL less susceptible to oxidation.