ABSTRACT
High levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] can reverse cholesterol accumulation in the arterial wall by reversing cholesterol transport. To determine this fact by getting high levels of HDL-C fraction of serum nicotinic acid was given in a 3 g daily dose for 6 weeks to 20 patients of mean age 52 +/- 9 years, with type IIa, type IIb and type IV hyperlipoproteinemia [HLP]. The cholesterol levels of serum very low density [VLDL] and low density [LDL] lipoprotein decreased during treatment [P <0.05]. Serum HDL cholesterol levels increased by 37%. Changes in the concentrations of HDL-C after 6 weeks of drug treatment were not related to the type of HLP, neither were these effects of nicotinic acid correlated with changes in VLDL or LDL lipid levels. From this study it was concluded that HDL-C could be increased by prolonged nicotinic acid therapy and, therefore, could reverse cholesterol transport. High levels of HDL-C is an important determinant of the antiatherogenic effects of the drug