Adipokines and treatment with niacin.

Adipokines may serve as an important etiologic link between atherosclerosis and obesity. Because adipose tissue is one site of action of the lipid-lowering drug niacin, we investigated whether niacin treatment would affect not only lipids but also adipokines. Twenty-four patients were treated with extended-release niacin.

Extended-release niacin raises adiponectin and leptin.

Background: The lipid-lowering drug niacin has attracted renewed interest because it raises HDL-cholesterol and because it has recently been found to slow down the progression of intima media thickness in patients with coronary heart disease. Since niacin acts on adipocytes, we investigated its impact on adipokines and on some functions attributed to adipokines.

Methods And Results: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study 30 men with the metabolic syndrome were treated for 6 weeks with 1500 mg extended-release niacin (n=20) or a placebo (n=10).

Early effects on endothelial function of atorvastatin 40 mg twice daily and its withdrawal.

Combined hyperlipidemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Atorvastatin has lipid-lowering and pleiotropic properties, including a protective effect on endothelial function. This study investigated the short- and medium-term effects of therapy with atorvastatin and of its discontinuation on lipid lowering and endothelial function.