Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

Pleiotropic actions of fenofibrate on the heart

Pitchai Balakumar1, Ankur Rohilla, Nanjaian Mahadevan

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Rajendra Institute of Technology and Sciences, Sirsa-125055, India. pbala2006@gmail.com

Pharmacological Research
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Fenofibrate, a lipid-lowering drug, offers direct heart protection beyond managing dyslipidemia. It demonstrates cardioprotective effects against various cardiac disorders by activating PPAR-α.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Dyslipidemia involves abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, increasing atherosclerosis risk.
  • Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative used to manage dyslipidemia by altering lipid profiles.
  • Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) activation is the primary mechanism for fenofibrate's lipid-lowering effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the recently identified pleiotropic, or multifaceted, effects of fenofibrate on the heart.
  • To delineate the novel cardioprotective actions of fenofibrate against diverse cardiac disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on fenofibrate's cardiac effects.
  • Critical discussion of identified pleiotropic actions and cardioprotective mechanisms.
  • Analysis of fenofibrate's impact on various cardiac conditions.

Main Results:

  • Fenofibrate not only lowers lipids (LDL, VLDL, triglycerides) and increases HDL but also provides direct myocardial protection.
  • Fenofibrate exhibits potential in preventing hypertensive heart damage, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, myocarditis, and lipotoxic cardiomyopathy.
  • The drug also shows promise in addressing vascular endothelial dysfunction-associated cardiovascular abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • Fenofibrate possesses significant pleiotropic effects on the heart, extending beyond its lipid-modulating capabilities.
  • These novel cardioprotective effects highlight fenofibrate's potential therapeutic value in managing a range of cardiac disorders.

More Related Videos

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Mechanism of Fructus Phyllanthi against Hyperlipidemia11:06

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Mechanism of Fructus Phyllanthi against Hyperlipidemia

Published on: April 7, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers01:17

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers

β1-receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. In cardiac myocytes, these receptors interact with neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic nervous system during heightened activity or danger. As a result, β1-receptors get activated, initiating a series of biochemical processes. Excessive activation of beta receptors due to chronic stress can abnormally increase heart rate and contractility, resulting in high blood pressure or hypertension. To counteract this, β1-blockers...
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation, vasodilation, and...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...