Effect of nicomol on HDL cholesterol level

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases often involve atherosclerosis, characterized by altered lipid profiles, including low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
• Serum lipid levels, particularly total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, are critical indicators in managing cardiovascular and liver diseases.
• Low HDL cholesterol is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of Nicomol, a nicotinic acid derivative, on serum lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular diseases and potential atherosclerosis.
• To evaluate the impact of Nicomol on total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol concentrations.
• To assess changes in the total/HDL cholesterol ratio following Nicomol treatment.

Main Methods:

• Serum HDL cholesterol was measured using a precipitation method with dextran sulfate and Mg++.
• Total cholesterol levels were also monitored.
• Patients received a daily dose of 1,200 mg of Nicomol for 1 to 3 months.

Main Results:

• Nicomol treatment led to a mean increase in HDL cholesterol of 3 to 5 mg/dl.
• Total cholesterol levels decreased by 14 to 15 mg/dl.
• The total/HDL cholesterol ratio was reduced by 0.8 (after 3 months) to 0.9 (after 1 month), with statistical significance (p < 0.05).
• Similar reductions in HDL cholesterol were observed in parenchymal and obstructive liver diseases with normal total cholesterol, excluding fulminant hepatitis and intrahepatic cholestasis.

Conclusions:

• Nicomol effectively improves lipid profiles in patients with cardiovascular diseases and potential atherosclerosis.
• The drug demonstrates a favorable impact on cholesterol levels, reducing the total/HDL cholesterol ratio.
• Nicomol may also influence HDL cholesterol levels in certain liver diseases, warranting further investigation.