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Fenofibrate: metabolic and pleiotropic effects

Vasilis Tsimihodimos1, George Miltiadous, Stella S Daskalopoulou

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece.

Current Vascular Pharmacology
|January 11, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Fenofibrate, a fibric acid derivative, effectively manages dyslipidaemia and improves associated vascular risk factors. It offers antiatherogenic benefits beyond lipid modification, proving useful in various patient groups and combinable with statins.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Disturbances in lipoprotein metabolism are key risk factors for vascular events.
  • Dyslipidaemia often coexists with endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, inflammation, and hyperuricaemia, accelerating atherosclerosis.
  • Ideal lipid-modifying drugs should address both lipoprotein metabolism and these coexisting abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for fenofibrate's lipid-modifying and other antiatherogenic actions.
  • To assess fenofibrate's utility in primary and secondary dyslipidaemias.
  • To evaluate fenofibrate's role in combination therapy for refractory dyslipidaemia.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on fenofibrate.
  • Analysis of studies on fenofibrate's effects on lipoprotein metabolism.
  • Examination of evidence regarding fenofibrate's impact on non-lipid cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) activator, effectively modifies lipids.
  • Fenofibrate demonstrates additional antiatherogenic effects beyond lipid management.
  • Studies support fenofibrate's use in primary and secondary dyslipidaemias, including those linked to diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and HIV.

Conclusions:

  • Fenofibrate is a valuable therapeutic option for patients with primary and secondary dyslipidaemias.
  • Fenofibrate's pleiotropic effects contribute to its antiatherogenic profile.
  • Combination therapy with statins is a viable strategy for refractory dyslipidaemia.

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