Gemfibrozil therapy in primary hypertriglyceridemia associated with coronary heart disease. Effects on metabolism of low-density lipoproteins.

Certain primary hypertriglyceridemias cause abnormalities in lipoproteins that seemingly predispose patients to coronary heart disease. We examined metabolism of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in 11 men with both hypertriglyceridemia and coronary heart disease and compared them with that of controls. The LDL turnover was measured during placebo and gemfibrozil therapy. With placebo, LDL-cholesterol level usually was normal, but production and fractional clearance of LDL were high. The LDL composition also was abnormal. Gemfibrozil reduced triglycerides, lowered production and fractional clearance of LDL, and normalized LDL composition. The LDL-cholesterol level usually rose, but generally not to abnormally high levels. Therefore, normalization of LDL metabolism and marked reduction of triglycerides by gemfibrozil suggest benefit to hypertriglyceridemic patients who are at high risk for coronary heart disease. However, when LDL-cholesterol level rises excessively, gemfibrozil may not be sufficient therapy.