Enprostil impairs cholesterol and fat absorption.

BACKGROUND

Enprostil, a synthetic dehydroprostaglandin E2 structural analogue primarily developed for treatment of gastritis, has been shown also to lower serum cholesterol.

METHODS

We studied cholesterol metabolism in seven hypercholesterolemic subjects before, during, and after a low-dose enprostil (18 micrograms/day) treatment, measuring serum lipids, cholesterol absorption by an oral double-isotope method, fecal cholesterol elimination by the balance technique, and fecal fat. In addition, an oral fat load test with vitamin A was performed.

RESULTS

The drug treatment reduced serum concentrations of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 8.2% and 7.9% (p < 0.05), respectively, and cholesterol absorption efficiency by 18% (p < 0.05), and increased fecal output of neutral sterols by 20% (p < 0.05), bile acids by 24% (NS), and cholesterol synthesis by 30% (p < 0.05). Postabsorptive concentrations of triglycerides and vitamin A in chylomicrons were reduced 3-4 h after the intake of the test meal. Fecal fat excretion was doubled during the enprostil treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Enprostil reduces serum cholesterol concentrations, apparently by inhibiting cholesterol absorption so that fecal cholesterol elimination is increased in association with a mild fat malabsorption. Enhanced intestinal motility may contribute to these changes, frequently causing abdominal fullness or mild pain without diarrhea.