Variations in lipids and proteins of lipoproteins by fenofibrate in some hyperlipoproteinaemic states.

A total of 28 hyperlipoproteinaemic patients (8 type IIA, 12 type IIB and 8 type IV) were studied. Each patient was put on a 'prudent' isocaloric diet (50% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 20% protein) following a 2-month period of wash-out. Fenofibrate (300 mg/day) was then given for 2 periods of 2 months, each separated by a 2-month period in which only the dietary treatment was continued. Fenofibrate induced a significantly beneficial effect on the abnormal plasma levels of lipids and apolipoproteins A-I and B in all three phenotypes. Total cholesterol significantly decreased in type IIA and IIB; total triglycerides decreased significantly in all three types. HDL-C increased in all the patients but significantly only in those presenting types IIB and IV. ApoB significantly decreased in the 3 groups while apoA-I increased. The ratio apoA/apoB increased significantly in the three groups. Enzymatic parameters did not vary during the drug treatment. However, 6 patients (16%) dropped out because of gastro-intestinal side effects.