Effects of nicotinic acid on serum cholesterol concentrations of high density lipoprotein subfractions HDL2, and HDL3, in hyperlipoproteinaemia

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Nicotinic acid was given in a 4‐g daily dose for 6 weeks to 41 weight‐stable patients of mean age (f SD) 52 +_ 9 years, with type IIa, type IIb or type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP), in order to study its effects on serum cholesterol concentrations of high density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions 2, and HDL3,. The triglyceride and cholesterol levels of serum very low density (VLDL) and low density (LDL) lipoproteins decreased during treatment (P < 0.001). Serum HDL and HDL, cholesterol levels increased by 37% and 135%, respectively. These changes were positively correlated (r = 0.93; P < 0.001). There was no significant change in mean serum HDL, cholesterol concentration. A negative correlation existed between changes in HDL, and HDL, cholesterol levels (r = −0.54; P < 0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression analyses revealed that the initial HDL, cholesterol predicted more than 30% of the increase in HDL, cholesterol. Changes in the concentrations of HDL, and HDL, cholesterol after 6 weeks of drug treatment were not related to the type of HLP, neither were these effects of nicotinic acid correlated with changes in VLDL or LDL lipid levels. The concept has previously been proposed, on the basis of in vitro data, that HDL, is formed from HDL, particles in the blood. Our results suggest that, in man, this reaction is stimulated in vivo by prolonged nicotinic acid therapy.