| An
investigational drug raises high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
while lowering low-density cholesterol levels A four-week trial of an investigational drug increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 34 percent and decreased low-density levels by 7 percent, according to an article in the April 16th rapid access issue of Circulation. The 198 trial subjects took a drug that inhibits the metabolic activity of the enzyme cholesteryl ester transfer protein. "Cholesteryl ester transfer protein represents an important target because this protein plays a key role in high-density lipoprotein metabolism. In fact, a genetic deficiency of [the enzyme] is the main reason for high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Asian populations," says lead author John Kastelein, M.D., Ph.D. The study was designed as a
12-week randomized trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of three
different drug doses. A clear dose-dependent decrease in enzyme
activity was observed after 1 week, reaching a maximum decrease
of 37 percent from baseline in the high-dose group after 4 weeks.
After 4 weeks, participants taking the highest dose, 900 mg, had
a 33.9 percent increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
levels. |