PURPOSE:

To compare the effects of gemfibrozil and lovastatin in patients with hypercholesterolemia and increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels.

METHODS:

Twenty-seven subjects with total cholesterol (TC) > 240 mg/dL, LDL-C > 160 mg/dL and Lp(a) > 25 mg/dL were studied. Patients were randomized to receive gemfibrozil 1200 mg/day, (n = 14, 54 +/- 7 years) or lovastatin 40-80 mg at night (n = 13, 55 +/- 9 years) for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and Lp(a) were determined at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS:

Gemfibrozil reduced TC (-21), LDL-C (-26), triglycerides (TG)(-48) and Lp(a) (-25), increased HDL-C (+48)(p < 0.001). Lovastatin reduced TC (-29), LDL-C (-37) and TG (-25) (p < 0.001) however, it did not affect Lp(a).

CONCLUSION:

Besides reducing plasma LDL-C, TG and increasing HDL-C, gemfibrozil effectively lowers Lp(a) levels. Lovastatin did not affect Lp(a) levels.