BAMBUTEROL RAISES HIGH-DENSITY-LIPOPROTEIN LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of bambuterol (a prodrug of the beta(2)-agonist terbutaline) on lipid and lipoprotein levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia. Both these dr ugs are extensively used in the treatment of patients with bronchial a sthma. Earlier studies in healthy volunteers and in patients with noni nsulin dependent diabetes mellitus have shown that terbutaline and bam buterol increase HDL cholesterol levels, and therefore bambuterol migh t have beneficial effects on HDL levels in patients with hyperlipidaem ia. Design. The present study was a randomized, double-blind, crossove r study, comparing 20 mg of bambuterol with placebo, each one given fo r 6-8 weeks with a 3-4 week washout period in between. Setting. The st udy was performed in an out-patient lipid clinic at Malmo University H ospital. Subjects. Thirty-one patients with hyperlipidaemia (S-cholest erol >6.5 mmol L-1 and S-triglycerides >2.0 mmol L-1) were included. M ain outcome measurements and results. The results showed that bambuter ol increased S-HDL cholesterol levels by 7% (P = 0.012). Increases wer e 23% for P-HDL2 and 7% for P-HDL3 fractions, but no effect was appare nt on S-apolipoprotein A-1 levels. Conclusion. This study suggests tha t the beta(2)-agonist bambuterol might be used as an alternative or as a complement in the treatment of dyslipidemic patients, when an incre ase in HDL cholesterol is desired.