Fibrates Revisited: Potential Role in Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Nam Hoon Kim, Sin Gon Kim, Nam Hoon Kim, Sin Gon Kim

Abstract

Fibrates, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α agonists, are potent lipid-modifying drugs. Their main effects are reduction of triglycerides and increase in high-density lipoprotein levels. Several randomized controlled trials have not demonstrated their benefits on cardiovascular risk reduction, especially as an "add on" to statin therapy. However, subsequent analyses by major clinical trials, meta-analyses, and real-world evidence have proposed their potential in specific patient populations with atherogenic dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. Here, we have reviewed and discussed the accumulated data on fibrates to understand their current status in cardiovascular risk management.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Dyslipidemias; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors; Metabolic syndrome; PPAR alpha; Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.

Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Copyright © 2020 Korean Diabetes Association.

Figures

Fig. 1. Summary of primary outcomes in…
Fig. 1. Summary of primary outcomes in the Effectiveness of Fenofibrate Therapy in Residual Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in the Real World Setting (ECLIPSE-REAL) study. PS, propensity score; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, triglyceride; MACE, major adverse cardiovascular events; HR, hazard ratio; CI, confidence interval.

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