[Effect of beta-pyridylcarbinol on lipids and lipoprotein in primary type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia].

The effect of long-term treatment over 16 weeks with beta-pyridylcarbinol (test substance Ronicol 300) on lipids and lipoproteins was investigated in 10 patients with primary hyperlipoproteinemia type IIa. A placebo period preceded and followed the treatment period. The lipoprotein fractions VLDL, DL and HDL (very low density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins, respectively) were isolated by preparative ultracentrifugation. beta-Pyridylcarbinol reduced total cholesterol from 410 +/- 39 mg/dl to 319 +/- 19 mg/dl (p less than 0.05). The decrease was mainly caused by a reduction in LDL-cholesterol by 25%. The HDL-cholesterol rose only slightly during treatment. The reduction in total triglycerides (132 +/- 12 mg/dl to 110 +/- 12 mg/dl) was less marked. The decrease was attributable to a reduction in VLDL- and LDL-triglycerides. Phospholipids and proteins behaved in an analogous fashion. The composition (in %) of the lipoprotein fractions VLDL, LDL and HDL didn't change under treatment. The typical nicotinic acid flush could be observed in all 10 patients.