Gemfibrozil
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Extrinsic Factors Affecting the Response to Gemfibrozil by Dr A Huunan-Seppali, Dr V Manninen, R Burton and Associate Professor A Eisalo (Lauttasaari Research Centre, Helsinki, and First Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland) Many extrinsic factors have been shown to influence serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Although often very difficult to assess, such factors should be considered in studies concerning the effect of drugs used to lower serum lipids. The aim of controlled studies is to exclude, among other things, the effect of extrinsic factors to such an extent that the possible influence of the drug can be evaluated realistically. The purpose of the present study was to determine the hypolipidwmic efficacy of gemfibrozil in cases of primary hyperlipxemias and to observe the effect of extrinsic factors on the response to gemfibrozil.
Dr A Huunan Seppala
Results and Discussion Age, sex and diet have profound influences on Subjects and Methods serum lipid levels (Johnson et al. 1965, Keys et al. Fourteen subjects, all born in 1934, volunteered 1967, Moore & Gordon 1967, Carlson & Lindfor the study. There were 13 males and 1 female. stedt 1968, Wood et al. 1972, Aromaa et al. 1975). All lived in the same area and were found to be In the present study all subjects were of the same hyperlipidwmic (serum cholesterol above 7.5 age, and the majority were male. They were asked mmol/l, triglycerides above 2.0 mmol/l, or both) not to alter their normal, day-to-day habits. No during a local health surveillance programme. attempt was made, however, to discover to what Nine subjects were of type IIa, 3 of type IIb and extent, if at all, their diets did change. Tendencies 2 of type IV. All were first given placebo for six to dietary alteration in this kind of study were weeks, and then gemfibrozil at a starting dose of not unknown, since hyperlipidmmic subjects 800 mg daily. In eight subjects the daily dose was aware of their risk factor can unconsciously make later increased to 1200 mg. A variety of labora- changes in their eating habits. Information from tory tests was performed in addition to clinical the media can also encourage dietary alterations and X-ray investigations in order to monitor any in such individuals. side effects of the drug. Blood samples were taken From Figs 1 and 2 it can be seen that treatment after a 12-h fast. The patients were instructed to with gemfibrozil decreased the serum cholesterol continue with their normal dietary habits as far and triglyceride values. After eight weeks of treatas possible. They were asked to avoid alcohol at ment with 800 mg of gemfibrozil daily, the mean least during the 48 hours before blood sampling. cholesterol level was decreased from 7.97 mmol/l Cholesterol was measured according to the to 7.06 mmol/l (t=3.83, P==
53
Extrinsic Factors Affecting the Response to Gemfibrozil by Dr A Huunan-Seppali, Dr V Manninen, R Burton and Associate Professor A Eisalo (Lauttasaari Research Centre, Helsinki, and First Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland) Many extrinsic factors have been shown to influence serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Although often very difficult to assess, such factors should be considered in studies concerning the effect of drugs used to lower serum lipids. The aim of controlled studies is to exclude, among other things, the effect of extrinsic factors to such an extent that the possible influence of the drug can be evaluated realistically. The purpose of the present study was to determine the hypolipidwmic efficacy of gemfibrozil in cases of primary hyperlipxemias and to observe the effect of extrinsic factors on the response to gemfibrozil.
Dr A Huunan Seppala
Results and Discussion Age, sex and diet have profound influences on Subjects and Methods serum lipid levels (Johnson et al. 1965, Keys et al. Fourteen subjects, all born in 1934, volunteered 1967, Moore & Gordon 1967, Carlson & Lindfor the study. There were 13 males and 1 female. stedt 1968, Wood et al. 1972, Aromaa et al. 1975). All lived in the same area and were found to be In the present study all subjects were of the same hyperlipidwmic (serum cholesterol above 7.5 age, and the majority were male. They were asked mmol/l, triglycerides above 2.0 mmol/l, or both) not to alter their normal, day-to-day habits. No during a local health surveillance programme. attempt was made, however, to discover to what Nine subjects were of type IIa, 3 of type IIb and extent, if at all, their diets did change. Tendencies 2 of type IV. All were first given placebo for six to dietary alteration in this kind of study were weeks, and then gemfibrozil at a starting dose of not unknown, since hyperlipidmmic subjects 800 mg daily. In eight subjects the daily dose was aware of their risk factor can unconsciously make later increased to 1200 mg. A variety of labora- changes in their eating habits. Information from tory tests was performed in addition to clinical the media can also encourage dietary alterations and X-ray investigations in order to monitor any in such individuals. side effects of the drug. Blood samples were taken From Figs 1 and 2 it can be seen that treatment after a 12-h fast. The patients were instructed to with gemfibrozil decreased the serum cholesterol continue with their normal dietary habits as far and triglyceride values. After eight weeks of treatas possible. They were asked to avoid alcohol at ment with 800 mg of gemfibrozil daily, the mean least during the 48 hours before blood sampling. cholesterol level was decreased from 7.97 mmol/l Cholesterol was measured according to the to 7.06 mmol/l (t=3.83, P==
