The effect of Gemfibrozil on human serum apolipoproteins and on serum reserve cholesterol binding capacity (SRCBC)

The lipid lowering drug Gemfibrozil significantly increased the levels of HDL-apoproteins, apoA-I and apoA-II in a group of 20 Swedish hyperlipemic males who were given 1200 mg daily of the drug for 8 weeks and thereafter submitted to a 4 weeks placebo period. It strikingly increased serum reserve cholesterol in binding capacity (SRCBC). No change was observed in "free" apoA-I or inthe level of Lp(a) lipoprotein. The results suggest that the effect of Gemfibrozil on HDL, may be particularly striking on a subclass (or on subclasses) of HDL responsible for most of SRCBC. The findings suggest that Gemfibrozil may become a useful drug for hyperlipidemic people, if its safety in pharmacological doses can be established.