Dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia: a cross-sectional study of residents in Wuhu, China.

BACKGROUND: While dyslipidemia has been recognized as a potential risk factor for hyperuricemia, there is currently a dearth of large-scale data specifically focused on studying the relationship between these two conditions. To address this gap, the present study analyzed a dataset of 298,891 physical examination records to investigate in greater detail the clinical classification and compositional relationship between hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia. METHODS: For this investigation, a cross-sectional research design was utilized to analyze physical examination data that was gathered from Yijishan Hospital in Wuhu, China between 2011 and 2016. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association between hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, the association between hyperuricemia and dyslipidemia was evaluated based on the clinical classifications of dyslipidemia and its components. RESULTS: A total of 298,891 participants from China (124,886 [41.8%] females) were included in the study, with an age range of 18 to 90 years (mean [SD]: 47.76 [13.54] years). In multivariate analysis, the odds of hyperuricemia was 1.878 times higher in patients with dyslipidemia compared to those without dyslipidemia (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.835-1.922). In the clinical classification of dyslipidemia, individuals with hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia had 1.753 times (95% CI: 1.706-1.802) and 1.925 times (95% CI: 1.870-1.982) higher odds of hyperuricemia, respectively, compared to those without dyslipidemia. Among the components of dyslipidemia, the odds ratios for hyperuricemia in individuals in the fourth quartile compared to those in the first quartile were 3.744 (95% CI: 3.636-3.918) for triglycerides, 1.518 (95% CI: 1.471-1.565) for total cholesterol, and 1.775 (95% CI: 1.718 - 1.833) for non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Dyslipidemia has been independently linked with hyperuricemia. Moreover, the elevation of triglycerides or total cholesterol levels, including conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia, have been observed to have a positive association with the development of hyperuricemia.

Medición directa versus el valor estimado del colesterol de LDL por las ecuaciones de Friedewald, Friedewald modificada y de regresión / Direct measurement versus estimated value of LDL cholesterol by Friedewald, modified Friedewald and regression equations

Diversos estudios evidencian la asociación entre los niveles elevados del colesterol de LDL (cLDL) y el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica. Con el objetivo de comparar los valores de cLDL obtenidos mediante la medición directa y los valores estimados por las ecuaciones de Friedewald tradicional, modificada y de regresión, se valoró el cLDL de 4.621 pacientes mediante el ensayo directo en el autoanalizador ADVIA 1800. Dichos resultados se agruparon en los estados de normolipemia, hipercolesterolemia, hiperlipemia mixta e hipertrigliceridemia y se establecieron diferencias de estimación con las mencionadas fórmulas en el total de la muestra y en los niveles de decisión clínica para el cLDL. Las tres fórmulas presentaron correlación significativa con el método directo en la totalidad de la muestra; sin embargo, cuando los niveles de triglicéridos de las muestras superaron los 200 mg/dL, la diferencia entre la fórmula de Friedewald y el método directo resultó -11,94%, y llegó a -19,13% para el nivel de triglicéridos mayor de 400 mg/dL. Por otro lado, las ecuaciones de Friedewald modificada y de regresión se vieron afectadas en menor cuantía por el nivel de triglicéridos. Las fórmulas de regresión y de Friedewald modificada se constituyen como alternativas razonables para estimar el cLDL y presentan buena concordancia con el método directo, incluso en niveles altos de colesterol y triglicéridos.

Several studies show the association between high LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels and the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In order to compare the LDLc values obtained by direct measurement and the values estimated by the traditional, modified and regression Friedewald equations, the LDLc of 4,621 patients was assessed by means of the direct test in the ADVIA 1800 autoanalyzer.These results were grouped into the states of normolipemia, hypercholesterolemia, mixed hyperlipemia and hypertriglyceridemia, establishing differences in estimation with the aforementioned formulas in the total sample and in clinical decision levels for LDLc. The three formulas showed a significant correlation with the direct method in the entire sample; however, when the triglyceride levels of the samples exceeded 200 mg/dL, the difference between Friedewald's formula and the direct method was -11.94% reaching -19,13% for the triglyceride level greater than 400 mg/dL, while the modified Friedewald and regression equations were affected to a lesser extent by the triglyceride level. Regression and modified Friedewald formulas are constituted as reasonable alternatives to estimate LDLc and have good agreement with the direct method, even at high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Varios estudos evidenciam a associacao entre niveis elevados do colesterol LDL (cLDL) e o risco de desenvolver doenca cardiovascular aterosclerotica. Visando comparar os valores de cLDL obtidos atraves da medicao direta e os valores estimados pelas equacoes de Friedewald tradicional, modificada e de regressao, o cLDL de 4.621 pacientes foi avaliado por meio do teste direto no analisador automatico ADVIA 1800. Tais resultados foram agrupados nos estados de normolipemia, hipercolesterolemia, hiperlipemia mista e hipertrigliceridemia, estabelecendo-se diferencas na estimativa com as formulas mencionadas no total da amostra e nos niveis de decisao clinica para cLDL. As tres formulas apresentaram correlacao significativa com o metodo direto em toda a amostra, no entanto, quando os niveis de triglicerideos das amostras excederam 200 mg/dL, a diferenca entre a formula de Friedewald e o metodo direto foi de -11,94% atingindo -19,13% para o nivel de triglicerideos superior a 400 mg/dL. Por outra parte, as equacoes de Friedewald modificada e de regressao foram afetadas em menor grau pelo nivel de triglicerideos. As formulas de regressao e de Friedewald modificada se constituem como alternativas razoaveis para estimar o cLDL, e apresentam boa concordancia com o metodo direto, mesmo em niveis elevados de colesterol e triglicerideos.

Case report of one month and 15 days old baby with type V hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP).

BACKGROUND: Most of the patients with type 1 and V hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) present with symptoms and signs of acute pancreatitis due to marked elevation of triglycerides, but this baby presented with a chest infection, which was later diagnosed as type V HLP on laboratory workup. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 1 month and 15 days old baby boy, product of 2-nd degree consanguinity admitted to a nearby hospital with complaints of refusal to feed, cough and excessive crying. On examination his heart rate was 102 beats/min, respiratory rate was 55 breaths/min and temperature was within the normal range, provisional diagnosis of Pneumonia was made. His samples were tested at our laboratory, the lipid Profile at age of 1 month 15 days showed total cholesterol (TC) of 1400 mg/dl reference range (RR < 200 mg/dl), triglycerides (TG) of > 885 mg/dl after dilution it was 31,400 mg/dl (RR < 150 mg/dl), High density Cholesterol (HDL) of 35 mg/dl (RR > 40 mg/dl) and low density cholesterol (LDL) of 200 mg/dl (RR < 100 mg/dl). The patient's blood sample was grossly milky and lipemic in appearance. A "Refrigerator test" was performed after overnight storage of the sample in refrigerator at 4 °C, which gave a creamy layer at the top and clear infranatant due to caking of the Chylomicrons. Lipoprotein electrophoresis performed 1 month later showed Chylomicrons of 4.7% (RR 0-2%), Pre-beta lipoproteins of 51.5% (RR 5-22%), beta lipoproteins of 16.5% (RR 39-70%) and alpha of 27.3% (RR 23-53%). Initially he was diagnosed as type 1 HLP, but later on he was correctly diagnosed as type V HLP. Cholestyramine (Questran sachet) powder was started at a dose of 100 mg/kg on t.i.d basis with NAN-1 formula Milk at the age of 1 month and 15 days. On follow up, detailed advices regarding the weaning food was given to the mother (using olive oil in cooking, giving proteins and avoiding heavy fatty meals). His lipid profile was repeated at age of 3 months, which showed some improvement, his TGs were 1986 mg/dl and TC 105 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: There is no universal diagnostic criterion for diagnosing Type V HLP, most likely, due to a scanty literature on this disorder. It stimulated us to report this case so that our findings may help for a timely diagnosis of the affected patients.

Estimation of the prevalence of cholesteryl ester storage disorder in a cohort of patients with clinical features of familial hypercholesterolaemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Familial hypercholesterolaemia is caused by variants in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolic pathway involving LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes. A national genetic testing service in Wales, UK has observed that no familial hypercholesterolaemia variant is found in almost 80% patients with the familial hypercholesterolaemia phenotype. It has recently been suggested that some adult patients with a familial hypercholesterolaemia phenotype may have cholesteryl ester storage disease which can also present as a mixed hyperlipidaemia. The commonest genetic cause of cholesteryl ester storage disease is an exon 8 splice junction variant in the LIPA gene (rs116928232, c.894G>A; E8SJM) previously found to have an allele frequency of 0.0011 (1 in 450 individuals) in a large European population. This study investigated the prevalence of the E8SJM in patients with a familial hypercholesterolaemia phenotype in Wales, UK. METHOD: A total of 1203 patients with a clinical suspicion of familial hypercholesterolaemia but no familial hypercholesterolaemia variant were invited to participate. Of these, 668 patients provided informed written consent. Stored DNA samples from 663 patients were genotyped for the E8SJM variant. RESULTS: Three heterozygotes were identified (allele frequency 0.0023). Whole gene sequencing of the LIPA gene was undertaken in these three individuals, but no other variants were found. Therefore, there were no cholesteryl ester storage disease patients (homozygote or compound heterozygote) identified in this cohort. CONCLUSION: The allele frequency 0.0023 (1 in 221 individuals) for the E8SJM variant was more prevalent in this cohort than in a European population study; however, no cholesteryl ester storage disease homozygotes were identified. We found no evidence to support routine testing for cholesteryl ester storage disease in adult patients with a familial hypercholesterolaemia phenotype.

Postprandial Hyperchylomicronemia and Thin-Cap Fibroatheroma in Nonculprit Lesions.

Objective- Although postprandial hypertriglyceridemia can be a risk factor for coronary artery disease, the extent of its significance remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the postprandial lipid profiles rigorously estimated with the meal tolerance test and the presence of lipid-rich plaque, such as thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), in the nonculprit lesion. Approach and Results- A total of 30 patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent a multivessel examination using optical coherence tomography during catheter intervention for the culprit lesion were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with TCFA (fibrous cap thickness ≤65 µm) in the nonculprit lesion and those without TCFA. Serum remnant-like particle-cholesterol and ApoB-48 (apolipoprotein B-48) levels were measured during the meal tolerance test. The value of remnant-like particle-cholesterol was significantly greater in the TCFA group than in the non-TCFA group ( P=0.045). Although the baseline ApoB-48 level was similar, the increase in the ApoB-48 level was significantly higher in the TCFA group than in the non-TCFA group ( P=0.028). In addition, the baseline apolipoprotein C-III levels was significantly greater in the TCFA group ( P=0.003). These indexes were independent predictors of the presence of TCFA (ΔApoB-48: odds ratio, 1.608; 95% confidence interval, 1.040-2.486; P=0.032; apolipoprotein C-III: odds ratio, 2.581; 95% confidence interval, 1.177-5.661; P=0.018). Conclusions- Postprandial hyperchylomicronemia correlates with the presence of TCFA in the nonculprit lesion and may be a residual risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Design and rationale of the ODYSSEY DM-DYSLIPIDEMIA trial: lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of alirocumab in individuals with type 2 diabetes and mixed dyslipidaemia at high cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often associated with mixed dyslipidaemia, where non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels may more closely align with cardiovascular risk than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). We describe the design and rationale of the ODYSSEY DM-DYSLIPIDEMIA study that assesses the efficacy and safety of alirocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, versus lipid-lowering usual care in individuals with T2DM and mixed dyslipidaemia at high cardiovascular risk with non-HDL-C inadequately controlled despite maximally tolerated statin therapy. For the first time, atherogenic cholesterol-lowering with a PCSK9 inhibitor will be assessed with non-HDL-C as the primary endpoint with usual care as the comparator. METHODS: DM-DYSLIPIDEMIA is a Phase 3b/4, randomised, open-label, parallel group, multinational study that planned to enrol 420 individuals. Main inclusion criteria were T2DM and mixed dyslipidaemia (non-HDL-C ≥100 mg/dl [≥2.59 mmol/l], and triglycerides ≥150 and <500 mg/dl [≥1.70 and <5.65 mmol/l]) with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or ≥1 additional cardiovascular risk factor. Participants were randomised (2:1) to alirocumab 75 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) or lipid-lowering usual care on top of maximally tolerated statin (or no statin if intolerant). If randomised to usual care, investigators were able to add their pre-specified choice of one of the following to the patient's current statin regimen: ezetimibe, fenofibrate, omega-3 fatty acids or nicotinic acid, in accordance with local standard-of-care. Alirocumab-treated individuals with non-HDL-C ≥100 mg/dl at week 8 will undergo a blinded dose increase to 150 mg Q2W at week 12. The primary efficacy endpoint is non-HDL-C change from baseline to week 24 with alirocumab versus usual care; other lipid levels (including LDL-C), glycaemia-related measures, safety and tolerability will also be assessed. Alirocumab will be compared to fenofibrate in a secondary analysis. RESULTS: Recruitment completed with 413 individuals randomised in 14 countries worldwide. Results of this trial are expected in the second quarter of 2017. CONCLUSIONS: ODYSSEY DM-DYSLIPIDEMIA will provide information on the efficacy and safety of alirocumab versus lipid-lowering usual care in individuals with T2DM and mixed dyslipidaemia at high cardiovascular risk using non-HDL-C as the primary efficacy endpoint. Trial registration NCT02642159 (registered December 24, 2015).

L-Carnitine/Simvastatin Reduces Lipoprotein (a) Levels Compared with Simvastatin Monotherapy: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. There are currently limited therapeutic options to lower Lp(a) levels. L-Carnitine has been reported to reduce Lp(a) levels. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of L-carnitine/simvastatin co-administration with that of simvastatin monotherapy on Lp(a) levels in subjects with mixed hyperlipidemia and elevated Lp(a) concentration. Subjects with levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >160 mg/dL, triacylglycerol (TAG) >150 mg/dL and Lp(a) >20 mg/dL were included in this study. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive L-carnitine 2 g/day plus simvastatin 20 mg/day (N = 29) or placebo plus simvastatin 20 mg/day (N = 29) for a total of 12 weeks. Lp(a) was significantly reduced in the L-carnitine/simvastatin group [-19.4%, from 52 (20-171) to 42 (15-102) mg/dL; p = 0.01], but not in the placebo/simvastatin group [-6.7%, from 56 (26-108) to 52 (27-93) mg/dL, p = NS versus baseline and p = 0.016 for the comparison between groups]. Similar significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo) B and TAG were observed in both groups. Co-administration of L-carnitine with simvastatin was associated with a significant, albeit modest, reduction in Lp(a) compared with simvastatin monotherapy in subjects with mixed hyperlipidemia and elevated baseline Lp(a) levels.

Plasma sICAM levels during standard exercise test are higher in postmenopausal women with mixed hyperlipemia. sICAM level in postmenopausal women.

Aim: Plasma sICAM, sVCAM, endothelin- 1 (ET-1), TNF-a, its soluble receptor levels and nitric oxide production evaluation during standard exercise test in postmenopausal women with mixed hyperlipidemia. Material and methods: 35 white, normotensive, non-smoking, postmenopusal women. Group A consisted of 24 women normal plasma cholesterol and triglicerides. Group B- 11 women hypercholesterolemic and hypertrigliceridemic. Basic fasting plasma FSH, 17b- -estradiol, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglicerides, HDL-cholesterol were measured. Standard exercise test was carried out according to Bruce protocol. During the test blood samples were taken trice (prior to, at peak exercise, at15th minute of recovery). The sICAM, sVCAM, ET-1, TNF-a, its soluble receptor and secretion of nitric oxide were measured. Statistical analysis: Fisher test and t-Welch test were used. Results: There were no differences between groups A and B in mean plasma concentrations of FSH, estradiol and HDL-cholesterol. Mean plasma total cholesterol, triglicerides and LDL-cholesterol levels were higher in group B compared to group A. Plasma levels of sICAM prior to standard exercise test, at peak exercise and at the 15th minute of recovery were significantly lower in group A compared to group B. Mean plasma sVCAM levels did no differ between groups. NO3 plasma levels was significantly higher at peak exercise in group B compared to group A. There were no significant differences between groups in regard to mean plasma NO2, endothelin-1, TNF-a, and TNF-a receptor levels. Conclusion: Plasma soluble intracellular adhesion molecules levels are higher at rest and during exercise in postmenopausal women with atherosclerosis risk factors.

Severe dyslipidemia in pregnancy: The role of therapeutic apheresis.

During pregnancy physiological changes occur in the lipid metabolism due to changing hormonal conditions: the LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] increase throughout pregnancy. Common lipoprotein disorders are associated in pregnancy with two major clinical disorders: severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) is a potent risk factor for development of acute pancreatitis and elevated cholesterol due to greater concentrations of LDL and remnant lipoproteins and reduced levels of HDL promote atherosclerosis. The combination of homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and pregnancy can be a fatal condition. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may be used for an urgent need of a fast and effective lowering of TG levels in order to prevent a severe pancreatitis episode or hypertriglyceridemia-induced complications during pregnancy. LDL apheresis can decrease LDL-C and prevent complications and can be considered in the treatment of pregnancies complicated by high LDL-C. These conditions are configured in patients with HeFH who were taking statins before pregnancy (selected cases), patients already receiving apheresis before pregnancy suffering from HoFH, patients suffering from hypertriglyceridemia due to familial hyperlipoproteinemia types I and V, and cases of hypertriglyceridemia secondary to diabetes.

Chylomicronaemia--current diagnosis and future therapies.

This Review discusses new developments in understanding the basis of chylomicronaemia--a challenging metabolic disorder for which there is an unmet clinical need. Chylomicronaemia presents in two distinct primary forms. The first form is very rare monogenic early-onset chylomicronaemia, which presents in childhood or adolescence and is often caused by homozygous mutations in the gene encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL), its cofactors apolipoprotein C-II or apolipoprotein A-V, the LPL chaperone lipase maturation factor 1 or glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1. The second form, polygenic late-onset chylomicronaemia, which is caused by an accumulation of several genetic variants, can be exacerbated by secondary factors, such as poor diet, obesity, alcohol intake and uncontrolled type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, and is more common than early-onset chylomicronaemia. Both forms of chylomicronaemia are associated with an increased risk of life-threatening pancreatitis; the polygenic form might also be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Treatment of chylomicronaemia focuses on restriction of dietary fat and control of secondary factors, as available pharmacological therapies are only minimally effective. Emerging therapies that might prove more effective than existing agents include LPL gene therapy, inhibition of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1, and interference with the production and secretion of apoC-III and angiopoietin-like protein 3.

[The fixed combination of pravastatin and fenofibrate: what can it provide?]. / Combinación fija pravastatina/fenofibrato: ¿qué puede aportar?

The treatment of patients with high cardiovascular risk and mixed hyperlipidemia is difficult due to multiple quantitative and qualitative lipid abnormalities. The priority is to reduce LDL-c levels, for which statins are the drug of choice. Despite the benefits of statins, the residual cardiovascular risk is very high in patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia. To reduce this risk, we also need to control non-HDL cholesterol levels, decreasing triglyceride levels and increasing HDL-c levels. To achieve these objectives and lifestyle changes, the use of combined therapy is often required. Fibrates are drugs that can be used in combination with statins to reduce this residual risk. Fenofibrate is well tolerated in combination with statins. The fixed combination of pravastatin/ fenofibrate has been shown to have complementary benefits in the atherogenic lipid profile in general. The combination is well tolerated and is indicated in patients with high risk and mixed hyperlipidemia who have controlled or are close to their objectives for LDL-c levels, using 40-mg pravastatin in monotherapy. The beneficial eff ect of the combination on LDL-c levels is minimal and is primarily observed in non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-c. The combination of pravastatin 40 and fenofibrate 160 can provide a considerable clinical benefit to patients with high risk and mixed atherogenic dyslipidemia, to patients with LDL-c levels that are controlled or near the objectives for decreasing their residual risk of lipid origin and is especially useful for patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity and combined metabolic syndrome and familial hyperlipidemia.

Medical resource use and costs associated with chylomicronemia.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of severe hypertriglyceridemia (TG > 1000 mg/dl) is estimated at 150-400 per 100,000 individuals in North America. Severe hypertriglyceridemia in the fasting state is associated with increased acute pancreatitis risk and is a sign of chylomicronemia which reflects the accumulation in the bloodstream of chylomicrons, the large lipoprotein particles produced in the gut after a meal. OBJECTIVE: To assess medical resource use and costs associated with chylomicronemia. METHODS: Patients with chylomicronemia of different causes (≥2 diagnoses with ICD-9 code 272.3) were identified from a large US claims database (years 2000 to 2009) and matched 1:1 to controls free of chylomicronemia based on age, gender, demographics, comorbidities, and use of lipid lowering drugs. During a 1-year study period, medical resource use and costs associated with chylomicronemia or acute pancreatitis were compared between matched cases and controls. RESULTS: Among 6472 matched pairs, annual per-patient medical costs, calculated independently of the occurrence of acute pancreatitis, were significantly greater by $808 for chylomicronemia cases vs controls ($8029 vs $7220, p < 0.01), half of which was attributable to chylomicronemia-related services (p < 0.01). Chylomicronemia cases with a history of acute pancreatitis (n = 46) had greater rates of inpatient visits (p < 0.05) and greater average costs for subsequent acute pancreatitis or abdominal pain (p < 0.01) as well as greater total medical costs ($33,587 vs $4402, p < 0.01) vs matched controls. The average episode of acute pancreatitis (n = 104 episodes) generated medical costs of $31,820, almost entirely due to inpatient stays. LIMITATIONS: Triglyceride levels were not available to characterize disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chylomicronemia, and especially those with a history of acute pancreatitis, incurred significantly greater total medical costs compared with individuals without chylomicronemia but with an otherwise comparable health profile.

Effects of 90-day hypolipidemic treatment on insulin resistance, adipokines and proinflammatory cytokines in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia and impaired fasting glucose.

OBJECTIVE: Concerns regarding worsening insulin sensitivity associated with statin treatment have recently emerged. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess and compare the effects of 90-day monotherapies with fenofibrate and atorvastatin, as well as combined therapy, on fasting plasma glucose, insulin resistance index, adipokines (leptin, resistin, adiponectin) and levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) in patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and mixed hyperlipidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 67 patients were randomly assigned to four treatment arms: monotherapy with atorvastatin, monotherapy with fenofibrate, combined therapy (fenofibrate and torvastatin) or therapeutic lifestyle change. The study lasted for 90 days. All participants received counseling regarding proper diet and physical activity. RESULTS: Compared to the control subjects, prediabetic patients exhibited elevated plasma levels of leptin, resistin, TNF-α and IL-6, and a lower plasma level of adiponectin. All therapeutic interventions resulted in significant alterations in the lipid profile. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was reduced after treatment with fenofibrate. The effect of atorvastatin on insulin resistance was comparable to therapeutic lifestyle change alone. Therapy with hypolipidemic drugs caused increases in adiponectin levels and decreases in leptin and resistin. An additive effect of the combined treatment on plasma IL-6 level was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fenofibrate-based treatment was associated with improved insulin sensitivity. Atorvastatin did not cause a deterioration in insulin sensitivity. Hypolipidemic therapies resulted in significant changes in the proinflammatory cytokine network as well as in adipokine levels. At the end of the study the measured parameters nearly resembled those of the healthy subjects.

The work-up for mixed hyperlipidemia: a case study.

This case demonstrates that a history, physical exam, and laboratory studies are all needed to determine if the disorder is primary, secondary, or both.