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Extended-release wax-matrix nicotinic acid support lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, study shows

Highlights

  • Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial (n=69 adults)
  • Promotes optimal lipid and lipoprotein metabolism
  • Effective dosage is 1,500 to 2,000 mg/day
  • Low 5% dropout rate due to treatment intolerance

Summary

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was designed to investigate the efficacy of extended-release wax-matrix nicotinic acid (WMNA) on lipid transport systems in patients with hyperlipidemia.

For this 6-month study, researchers followed 69 patients, aged 20-69 years, with total cholesterol levels between 225-300 mg/dl after 2 months of diet therapy. Participants were randomized into two groups. One group (n = 39) took WMNA (2 months), placebo (2 months), then WMNA (2 months). The other group (n = 30) took placebo (2 months), WMNA (2 months), then WMNA (2 months). The daily WMNA dosage was 1,500 mg to 2,000 mg.

Results indicate WMNA significantly reduced total cholesterol, low-density (LDL) lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein B levels significantly improved. Treatment also decreased plasma cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and increased cholesterol-esterifying capacity (see Table 1).  A 5% dropout rate was reported related to treatment intolerance.

 

Table 1.  Changes in Blood Lipid Parameters with WMNA Treatment
Parameter EPE Group PEE Group
Total Cholesterol -12% -11%
LDL Cholesterol -18% -16%
HDL Cholesterol +14% +13%
Triglycerides -17% -20%
Apo-A-I +16% +11%
Apo-B -22% -20%
Plasma CETP activity -17% -14%
Cholesterol-esterifying Capacity +33% +64%

EPE indicates WMNA first treatment sequence; PEE, placebo first treatment sequence; LDL, low-density lipoprotein, HDL, high-density lipoprotein, Apo-B, apolipoprotein B, Apo-A-I, apolipoprotein A-I, CETP, cholesterol ester transfer protein.

 

These findings indicate that WMNA is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for correcting disturbances in lipid transport systems in patient with hyperlipidemia.

Reference

Oganov RD, Perova NV, Kiseleva NG, Olferiev AM, et al. Beneficial effects of wax-matrix sustained-release niacin on lipid-transport system in patients with hypercholesterolemia. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis, Montreal, October 9-14, 1998; Montreal, Canada. Abstract 158.

Disclaimer: This information is for licensed healthcare professionals only to inform patient treatment. It is not intended for consumer use.

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