An interaction between Gemfibrozil and alpha 1-antitrypsin

Previous studies have demonstrated such hydrophobic compounds as cholesterol and lithocholic acid, to interact with alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT). We observed a similar interaction between the anionic, hydrophobic lipid-lowering drug Gemfibrozil and alpha 1-AT in a deficient (PiZZ) patient, affecting the physicochemical and antiproteinase properties of the inhibitor protein. Gemfibrozil treatment in non-PiZ patients also resulted in a reduction of alpha 1-AT activity which could be reproduced in vitro.