Comparative study of bezafibrate and probucol in hyperlipidaemia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Pharmacological interventions alongside diet are crucial for managing lipid profiles in affected patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and tolerability of probucol and bezafibrate in treating hyperlipidemia.
• To evaluate the effects of these drugs on serum lipid levels, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving sixty out-patients with hyperlipidemia (cholesterol > 200 mg/dl and/or triglycerides > 200 mg/dl).
• Patients received either 500 mg probucol twice daily or 200 mg bezafibrate twice or thrice daily for approximately 60 days.
• Lipid profiles were assessed pre- and post-treatment; tolerability was monitored via adverse reactions, ECG, and blood pressure.

Main Results:

• Both probucol and bezafibrate significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels.
• Bezafibrate demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in triglycerides (55.5%) compared to probucol (24.0%).
• Bezafibrate treatment led to a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (19.0%), whereas probucol caused a reduction (11.8%).
• Adverse effects were mild to moderate and did not necessitate treatment interruption; ECG changes were noted in 3 probucol patients.

Conclusions:

• Bezafibrate is more effective than probucol in reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL-cholesterol in hyperlipidemic patients.
• Both agents offer comparable reductions in total and LDL-cholesterol.
• Probucol and bezafibrate exhibit acceptable tolerability profiles for managing hyperlipidemia.