Effects of Vitamin E and Gemfibrozil on lipid profiles, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in the elderly and young hyperlipidemic subjects

OBJECTIVE: This study has dealt with the effects of gemfibrozil and vitamin E (vit E) therapies on lipoprotein levels, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant statuses of the elderly and young hyperlipidemic subjects.

METHODS: This study took place in the Internal Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Turkey between 2004-2005. This study was carried out on 99 hyperlipidemic and 40 control subjects. Subjects were divided into 2 groups; elderly hyperlipidemic (n=65) and young hyperlipidemic (n=34). In the young and elderly hyperlipidemic subjects of the first group treated only with vit E (600 mg/day) for one month. In the young and elderly hyperlipidemic subjects of the second group were treated only with gemfibrozil (600 mg/twice daily) for one month. The 2 therapies of vit E and gemfibrozil were then combined and applied to the third group of our study. Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total cholesterol (total chol), serum low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), vit E, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of the 3 groups were measured.

RESULTS: In elderly hyperlipidemic therapy group: vit E groups, the post-treatment vit E levels increased. In the gemfibrozil groups, post-treatment TG level decreased whereas HDL level increased. In the vit E plus gemfibrozil groups, post-treatment TG level decreased, HDL, and vit E levels increased. In young hyperlipidemic therapy group: vit E groups, the post-treatment HDL, vit E, GSH, GPX levels increased whereas LDL, MDA, levels decreased. In the gemfibrozil groups, post-treatment TG, LDL decreased, HDL level increased. In the vit E plus gemfibrozil groups, post-treatment TG, LDL, MDA levels decreased whereas HDL, vit E, GSH levels increased.

CONCLUSION: When combined, gemfibrozil and vit E are effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases.