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A pilot study of the effect of Gemfibrozil on some haematological parameters
Insights
Gemfibrozil significantly reduced cholesterol and triglycerides in patients with severe atherosclerosis. However, it increased ESR and decreased heparin neutralizing activity, showing complex effects compared to clofibrate.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular disease.
- Lipid-lowering drugs aim to manage atherosclerosis progression.
- Gemfibrozil is a lipid-regulating agent with known effects on cholesterol and triglycerides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of Gemfibrozil on lipid profiles and coagulation parameters in patients with severe atherosclerosis.
- To compare Gemfibrozil's effects with placebo in a controlled setting.
- To investigate potential differences between Gemfibrozil and Clofibrate based on observed effects.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
- 10 patients with severe atherosclerosis received Gemfibrozil for 13 weeks.
- 4 similar patients served as controls (placebo group).
- Measurements included total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fibrinogen, ESR, and heparin neutralizing activity (HNA).
Main Results:
- Gemfibrozil significantly decreased total cholesterol and triglycerides.
- HDL cholesterol levels increased in the Gemfibrozil group.
- Fibrinogen levels remained unchanged.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) increased markedly.
- Heparin neutralizing activity (HNA) decreased significantly (p = 0.01).
- Antithrombic activity increased.
- Changes in HNA showed a weak correlation with total cholesterol levels.
Conclusions:
- Gemfibrozil demonstrates significant lipid-lowering effects in patients with severe atherosclerosis.
- The drug impacts coagulation parameters, including decreased HNA and increased antithrombic activity.
- Some effects of Gemfibrozil are comparable to Clofibrate, while others differ, suggesting a complex pharmacological profile.
Abstract:
In a double-blind 13 week study the effects of Gemfibrozil were compared with placebo. Gemfibrozil was given to 10 patients with evidence of severe atherosclerosis; four similar patients acted as controls. As expected, in the treated group, total cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly and HDL cholesterol increased. The Fibrinogen did not change although the ESR increased markedly and the heparin neutralizing activity (HNA) of the plasma decreased (p = 0.01). The antithrombic activity increased. The change in the HNA correlated weakly to the total cholesterol both before and during treatment. These findings show that some of the effects of Gemfibrozil on atherosclerotic humans are similar to those of Clofibrate but others are different.
