Effect of interferon on plasma lipoproteins and on the activity of postheparin plasma lipases

The effect of interferon administration on the concentration of plasma lipoproteins and on the activity of postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase was studied in six healthy men. Daily injection of human leukocyte interferon for 1 week lowered the plasma level of total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein + low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-1 in all subjects. Simultaneously, the activity of postheparin plasma hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase decreased by 20% to 50%. These observations may be of importance in the interpretation of lipoprotein changes seen in acute and chronic infections and should be borne in mind when prolonged treatment with interferon is considered.