Effect of fenofibrate on the level of asymmetric dimethylarginine in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia

Objective: To test whether treatment with fenofibrate decreases asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level in hypertriglyceridemic individuals. Methods: In the present study, 45 subjects with hypertriglyceridemia were recruited to receive treatment with fenofibrate (200 mg/d). Serum concentrations of ADMA, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured. Endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was performed. Results: Compared with control, serum levels of ADMA (0.47 +/- 0.05 mu mol/L in control and 0.62 +/- 0.28 mu mol/L in hypertriglyceridemic patients, P < 0.01), MDA and TNF-alpha were markedly elevated, and the level of NO was significantly reduced, concomitantly with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia. 8-week treatment with fenofibrate significantly reduced the elevated levels of ADMA (0.53 +/- 0.12 mu mol/L, P < 0.01), MDA and TNF-alpha, attenuated the decreased level of NO and improved endothelial function. Conclusions: These results suggest that the beneficial effect of fenofibrate on the endothelium in hypertriglyceridemic individuals may be related to reduction of ADMA level.