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