Neomycin and plasma lipoproteins in type II hyperlipoproteinemia

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Abstract
This study has applications to drug therapy for coronary artery disease. Neomycin, a nonabsorbable aminoglycoside antibiotic, was shown to exert a hypocholesterolemic effect in man. In a 9 mo. double blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effect of neomycin, 2 g/day, on plasma lipoproteins and its safety were described in 20 subjects with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. A 15% (50 mg%) decline in plasma cholesterol concentration was observed with neomycin. Most of this effect resulted from a 41 mg% (16%) decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. No significant or consistent effect on high-density liproprotein cholesterol concentration was observed. Monthly audiologic and renal evaluation disclosed no oto- or nephrotoxicity. Neomycin treatment in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia is an inexpensive and effective means of lowering low-density lipoprotein concentration and is free of significant side effects over a 3 mo. period.