Serum profile of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia under xantinol--nicotinate (XN) medication

Brain serotonin (5-HT) neuroendocrine function in patients taking cholesterol-lowering drugs

Brain serotonin (5-HT) neuroendocrine function, plasma tryptophan, and platelet 5-HT content were examined in 20 patients treated in a lipid clinic for hypercholesterolaemia with combined drug and diet therapy and in 20 healthy matched controls. Treatment had produced a substantial decrease in total cholesterol concentrations in the patients, but they still had higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels than control subjects. The patients were somewhat more depressed than controls but did not differ from them in degree of hostility, free or total plasma tryptophan, or prolactin response to 30 mg of d-fenfluramine. This study does not reveal evidence of abnormal brain 5-HT neuroendocrine function in hypercholesterolaemic patients receiving cholesterol-lowering medications and diet.

Decrease in LDL and increase in HDL concentrations in type II hyperlipoproteinaemic patients on low-dose combination therapy of cholestyramine and Complamin

A low-dose combination of Complamin retard (1 g t.i.d.) and cholestyramine (4 g b.i.d.) was compared with each agent alone in 2 serial open trials without dietary restriction using type IIa and IIb hyperlipoproteinaemic patients. Complamin alone produced decreases in LDL and VLDL cholesterol concentrations (up to 20%) whereas cholestyramine alone produced only a modest reduction in LDL (up to 15%). The combination produced marked, progressive reductions in total cholesterol (up to 35%) and LDL (up to 40%); reductions in VLDL (up to 45%), total triglyceride (up to 60%) and free fatty acids (up to 60%) were found only in type IIb patients. The average increase in HDL-cholesterol from the 2 studies for combination therapy was 35%. No side-effects were reported or measured and compliance was excellent. The results demonstrate the potential of a method of achieving beneficial actions on lipoprotein levels with a well-tolerated therapy.