Lowering of Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride by Para-Aminosalicylic Acid in Hyperlipoproteinemia

Abstract

Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-C®) was assessed as a hypolipidemic agent in 29 outpatients in 3 different studies. All patients had type II-a or II-b hyperlipoproteinemia. Six to eight grams of PAS-C® per day were given in four divided doses. Blood samples were collected at 2-week intervals during active and placebo periods. The first study involved 14 patients in a 12-week, double-blind crossover study. The mean serum cholesterol concentration was significantly lower with PAS-C® (310 ± 90 mg/100 ml) than with the placebo (367 ± 109 mg/100 ml) (P < 0.001). The mean serum triglyceride level likewise decreased, from 153 to 122 mg/100 ml (P < 0.01). Another 15 patients, studied in a 12-week, single-blind crossover study, had a similar lower serum cholesterol level with PAS-C® (296 ± 91 mg/100 ml with PAS-C® versus 365 ± 126 mg/100 ml with placebo, P < 0.001). Triglyceride levels also were reduced (139 to 108 mg/100 ml, P < 0.005). In the third study patients were given PAS-C® for 6 to 12 months, and similar results were noted. There were no decreases in effectiveness with time. This drug was effective and well tolerated.