Serum lipoprotein lipids after gemfibrozil treatment.

The changes of serum lipoprotein lipids including the phospholipids of twelve hyperlipoproteinemic patients were studied after a four weeks treatment with 1200 mg/day gemfibrozil. There was a decrease of all VLDL lipids as well as of LDL and HDL triglycerides and an increase of HDL cholesterol. The phospholipids were influenced in different directions, particularly their concentration in the HDL was constant. The LDL/HDL lipid ratios remained elevated after gemfibrozil. To evaluate the effect of a hypolipidemic drug in more detail, the analysis of the complete lipoprotein lipid moiety and the ratios within and between the lipoproteins would be helpful.