The effect of beta-pyridylcarbinol on lipoprotein lipids in primary type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia.

The effect of long-term treatment over 6 months with beta-pyridylcarbinol on the lipoprotein lipids was investigated in 12 patients with primary type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia. VLDL, LDL and HDL were separated by preparative ultracentrifugation. There was a significant decrease of serum cholesterol and phospholipids. The normal serum triglycerides were unaffected. While VLDL and HDL lipids showed no signicant alterations, the LDL lipids decreased. The atypical lipid composition of the LDL was changed towards normal. Though there was a significant decrease of the "atherogenic" LDL/HDL-lipid ratios after 6 months treatment, beta-pyridylcarbinol did not result in a normalization of this ratio.