Effect of fenofibrate on serum nitric oxide levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

BACKGROUND: Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) agonist, is used to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in order to reduce the risk of development of the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, it exerts pleiotropic effects beyond correcting atherogenic dyslipidemia to treat hypercholesterolemia. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of fenofibrate on endothelial function by analyzing the serum nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lipid profiles and serum NO levels were assessed in 56 healthy adults aged 29 to 84 years, before and after 12 weeks of fenofibrate (250 mg/d; n = 30) or placebo (n = 26). Appropriate dietary suggestions for hypertriglyceridemia were made for all patients. This study was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled in design. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride levels significantly decreased; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and NO levels significantly increased after 12 weeks of fenofibrate therapy. We observed a statistically significant correlation between the increase in serum NO levels and decrease in serum triglyceride levels (r = -0.42, p = 0.02) in the fenofibrate group. CONCLUSIONS: The positive effect of short-term fenofibrate treatments on vascular endothelial functions in patients with hypertriglyceridemia has been demonstrated by increasing the serum NO levels. Agents such as fenofibrate targeting PPARα-associated signaling pathways show promise as an alternative treatment of vascular dysfunction related to advanced age and hyperlipidemia.

The effects of resveratrol on oxidant/antioxidant systems and their cofactors in rats.

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol, which belongs to a class of polyphenolic compounds called stilbenes, is proposed to have anti-aging effects. OBJECTIVES: This research has focused on the effects of resveratrol on oxidant/antioxidant systems and also copper and zinc concentrations in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The control group consisted of 12 male Wistar albino rats, 10-12 weeks of age, weighing approximately 284 g. The experimental group consisted of 12 male Wistar albino rats, in the same age, weighing 282 g. Before the experimental procedure, a training period was performed for control and experimental groups, systolic arterial blood pressures and heart rates were recorded. Body weights were measured also. The experimental group was administered resveratrol (20 mg/kg) in drinking water for six weeks. At the end of the study, blood glucose levels, red cell superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities, copper, zinc concentrations in plasma and red cells, also, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in plasma were determined in both groups. RESULTS: At the end of the study, statistically significant increases in SOD and catalase activities, and also in plasma copper and red cell zinc concentrations and statistically significant decreases in body weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, lipid peroxidation product MDA concentration and plasma zinc, red cell copper concentrations were found in resveratrol administered group. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol administration affected oxidant/antioxidant systems and their cofactors significantly.