ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Metronidazole
;
Bile acids
;
Cholesterol absorption
;
Serum cholesterol
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary In five patients with Crohn's disease long-term therapy with metronidazole (400 mg b.i.d.) was followed by a significant reduction of total serum cholesterol from 179 mg/dl to 156 mg/dl, 134 mg/dl, and 143 mg/dl, after 2–4 months, 6 months, and 9–12 months, respectively. Lipoprotein analysis before and after 3 weeks of administration of metronidazol (400 mg/day) to five normolipemic volunteers revealed that LDL-cholesterol was reduced by 21% (P〈0.05), whereas HDL-cholesterol remained unchanged. Biliary secretion of cholesterol and bile acids were reduced by 13% and 20% (P〈0.05), respectively, which might suggest a decreased sterol synthesis. The amount and percentage of intestinal cholesterol absorption were decreased by 33% and 22% (P〈0.05). Thus, a possible decrease in sterol synthesis and a reduction of cholesterol absorption might be responsible for the serum-cholesterol-lowering effect of metronidazole. However, caution should be taken when considering metronidazole for long-term treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia due to possible side effects.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01731475
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