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Effects of fenofibrate on bile lipid composition
Arteriosclerosis (Dallas, Tex.)
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Fenofibrate alters bile composition, increasing cholesterol saturation and potentially raising gallstone risk. Monitoring patients on fenofibrate for this side effect is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Clofibrate is known to increase bile cholesterol saturation and gallstone formation.
- Fenofibrate is a related hypolipidemic agent whose effects on bile composition are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of fenofibrate on duodenal bile lipid composition.
- To determine if fenofibrate, like clofibrate, predisposes patients to cholesterol gallstone formation.
Main Methods:
- Duodenal bile lipid composition was analyzed in 15 subjects before and during fenofibrate or placebo treatment.
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was employed, with additional open-label fenofibrate analysis.
Main Results:
- Fenofibrate significantly decreased bile acid percentage and increased phospholipid and cholesterol percentages.
- These changes led to an increased cholesterol saturation index, particularly when comparing all fenofibrate-treated samples to untreated samples.
- Effects on bile lipid composition were comparable to those observed with clofibrate.
Conclusions:
- Fenofibrate significantly alters bile lipid composition.
- These alterations suggest an increased propensity for cholesterol gallstone formation.
- Patients using fenofibrate should be monitored for gallstone development.