Effect of fenofibrate on the level of asymmetric dimethylarginine in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether treatment with fenofibrate decreases asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level in hypertriglyceridemic individuals.

METHODS

In the present study, 45 subjects with hypertriglyceridemia were recruited to receive treatment with fenofibrate (200 mg/d). Serum concentrations of ADMA, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured. Endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was performed.

RESULTS

Compared with control, serum levels of ADMA (0.47+/-0.05 micromol/L in control and 0.62+/-0.28 micromol/L in hypertriglyceridemic patients, P<0.01), MDA and TNF-alpha were markedly elevated, and the level of NO was significantly reduced, concomitantly with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia. 8-week treatment with fenofibrate significantly reduced the elevated levels of ADMA (0.53+/-0.12 micromol/L, P<0.01), MDA and TNF-alpha, attenuated the decreased level of NO and improved endothelial function.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the beneficial effect of fenofibrate on the endothelium in hypertriglyceridemic individuals may be related to reduction of ADMA level.