Avaliação de Compostos Bioativos, Composição Físico-Química e Atividade Antioxidante In Vitro da Farinha de Berinjela / Assessment of Bioactive Compounds, Physicochemical Composition, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Eggplant Flour

Fundamento: A berinjela (Solanum melongena) é um fruto de consumo mundial. Seu processamento em forma de farinha é uma maneira de evitar perdas e aproveitar suas características nutricionais. Objetivos: Este estudo avaliou a composição físico-química (umidade, proteínas, lipídeos, fibra bruta, carboidratos, minerais, niacina, saponinas, acidez titulável, fibra alimentar e fenóis totais) da farinha de berinjela preparada a partir do fruto inteiro desidratado em estufa. Métodos: Avaliou-se a atividade antioxidante in vitro usando os seguintes ensaios: radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila (DPPH); poder antioxidante de redução do ferro (FRAP); e análise de polifenóis com Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE - ácido clorogênico, ácido cafeico, ácido ferúlico e rutina). Resultados: Verificou-se a presença de: 23,09% de carboidratos; 13,34% de proteínas; 1,85% de lipídeos; 39,19% de fibras totais; 1.540 mg/100 g de compostos fenólicos solúveis totais; 840 mg/100 g de saponinas; minerais (potássio, magnésio, cobre, ferro, zinco, manganês); e niacina. Observou-se atividade antioxidante in vitro para DPPH (455,6 mg de ácido ascórbico/100 g) e FRAP (486,8 mg de ácido ascórbico/100 g). A CLAE determinou a presença de ácido ascórbico, tirosina e ácidos fenólicos (ácido clorogênico, ácido cafeico e ácido ferúlico). Conclusão: A farinha de berinjela tem alto teor de fibra além de bom teor de compostos fenólicos e saponinas com importante capacidade antioxidante observada através de ensaios in vitro. A farinha de berinjela é uma boa opção para ser adicionada à dieta da população, devido aos seus potenciais benefícios à saúde

Background: The eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a fruit of world consumption. Its processing in the form of flour is a way to avoid losses and to take advantage of its nutritional characteristics. Objective: This study assessed the physicochemical composition (moisture, proteins, lipids, crude fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, niacin, saponins, titratable acidity, dietary fiber, and total phenols) of eggplant flour prepared from the whole fruit dehydrated in an oven. Methods: In vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using the following methods: 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH); Ferric Reducing/ Antioxidant Power (FRAP); and analysis of polyphenols using HPLC (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin). Results: It was possible to observe: 23.09% carbohydrates; 13.34% proteins; 1.85% lipids; 39.19% total fibers; 1,540 mg/100 g total soluble phenolic compounds; 840 mg/100 g saponins; minerals (potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese); and niacin. In vitro antioxidant activity was observed through DPPH (455.6 mg ascorbic acid/100 g) and FRAP (486.8 mg ascorbic acid/100 g). The HPLC method determined the presence of ascorbic acid, tyrosine, and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid). Conclusion: The eggplant flour had great fiber content in addition to good content of phenolic compounds and saponins with important antioxidant capacity observed through in vitro assays. As a result, eggplant flour is a good addition to the diet of the population, since it can bring potential health benefits

Effect of 50% hydro-ethanolic leaf extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L. and Dipteracanthus patulus [Jacq.] on lipid profile in alloxan induced diabetic rats

The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of 50% hydro-ethanolic leaf extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L. and Dipteracanthus patulus [Jacq.] on lipid profile in alloxan induced diabetic rats. In lipid profile the parameters studied were serum total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, HDL-c, LDL-c and VLDL-c level. Extracts were orally administered daily for 30 days at a dosage of 250 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight to alloxan induced diabetic rats. The levels of phospholipids, triglycerides, LDL-c and VLDL-c were significantly [P < 0.05] reduced. The HDL-c level was found to be increased in the treatment groups. Total cholesterol level was found to be significantly [P < 0.05] decreased at 500 mg/ kg bodyweight of both the plant extracts treated groups. The results further suggests that the effect of plant extract treated groups was found to be lower in reducing the lipid levels in serum when compared to the drug [Glibenclamide 600 micro g/kg body weight] treated group

Hypolipidemic effect of aqueous extract of Carum carvi [black Zeera] seeds in diet induced hyperlipidemic rats

Medicinal plants play a key role in preventing various diseases. Hyperlipidemia is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of aqueous extract of Carum carvi seeds in diet induced hyperlipidemia in rats. 2% cholesterol diet were given to rats for six weeks and rats showed high lipid levels were included in the study. Then all rats were divided into, normal control group [A], hyperlipidemia positive control group [B], and the remaining two groups [C and D] served as experimental groups. Group C hyperlipidemic experimental rats received aqueous dried extract of Carum carvi seeds at 60 mg/kg of body weight for eight weeks on daily basis. On the other hand group D rats received simvastatin at 1.0 mg/kg body weight for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected after eight weeks. The hyperlipidemic positive control group rats showed variable increase in serum triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol levels. Serum HDL levels decreased in hyperlipidemic positive control groups. Carum carvi and simvastatin significantly decreased the levels of these parameters in rats. On comparison Carum carvi reduced lipid levels more, effectively than the simvastatin. Carum carvi constituents, especially flavonoids and carvone have strong anti-oxidant activity which might be involved in hypolipidemia. In conclusion, Carum carvi aqueous seeds extract decrease lipid levels in diet induced hyperlipidemic rats

Effect of yoghurt pillared with propolis on hyperglycemic rats

Dietary supplementation of yoghurt with plants rich in antioxidants such as propolis which is an adhesive resinous material collected by honey bees is recently recommended. This study aimed at investigating the protective effect against the hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The study showed that yoghurt with propolis had a hypoglycemic effect together with reduction of the serum levels of cholesterol, low density and very low density lipoproteins with elevation of high density lipoproteins. The atherosclerosis indices were affected with reduction of low density lipoproteins-cholesterol/high density lipoproteins-cholesterol and elevation of the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol/total cholesterol. This was attributed to the reduction of glucose absorption and inhibition of alpha-glucosidase together with the antioxidant activity with regain of the pancreatic beta-cell function. The hypolipidemic effect and consequently protective effect against atherosclerosis was attributed to the binding, breakdown and reduction of absorption of cholesterol together with the antioxidant activity of both yoghurt and propolis. Down regulation of the expression of the angiogenic gene factors which have a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis may play a role. Thus, this dietary supplementation may be manufactured and used for its value in reducing hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in cases of diabetes mellitus

Nutritional and metabolic status of HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy during one year of follow-up

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to compare changes in lipid metabolism and nutritional status after either 6 and 12 months of follow-up in subjects with lipodystrophy syndrome after traditional lifestyle therapy with or without fibric acid analogue intervention (bezafibrate and clofibrate). METHODS: Food intake, alterations in body composition and metabolic abnormalities were assessed in subjects with lipodystrophy syndrome at the beginning of the study. The nutritional status and metabolic alterations of the subjects were monitored, and the subjects received nutritional counseling each time they were seen. The subjects were monitored either two times over a period no longer than six months (Group A; n = 18) or three times over a period of at least 12 months (Group B; n = 35). All of the subjects underwent nutrition counseling that was based on behavior modification. The fibric acid analogue was only given to patients with serum triglyceride levels above 400 mg/dL. RESULTS: After six months of follow-up, Group A showed no alterations in the experimental parameters. After twelve months, there was a decrease in serum triglyceride levels (410.4 ± 235.5 vs. 307.7 ± 150.5 mg/dL, p< 0.05) and an increase in both HDLc levels (37.9±36.6 vs. 44.9 ±27.9 mg/dL, p,0.05) and lean mass (79.9 ± 7.8 vs. 80.3 ± 9.9 percent, p< 0.05) in Group B. CONCLUSION: After one year of follow-up (three sessions of nutritional and medical counseling), the metabolic parameters of the subjects with lipodystrophy improved after traditional lifestyle therapy with or without fibric acid analogue intervention.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid and lipid profile of postmenopausal women

Most animal studies have shown that trans-10 and cis-12 isomers of Conjugated linoleic Acid, [CLA] tend to increase insulin resistance. But the effect of equal isomers of CLA [50:50 ratios of cis-9, trans-11: trans-10, cis-12 isomers] on lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin resistance and sensitivity in postmenopausal women is not clear. In the present study, we performed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial to examine the changes in lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin concentration following 4 CLAG80 capsules containing 3.2g CLA [50:50 ratios of cis-9,trans-ll: trans-10, cis-12 isomers] or 4 placebo capsules supplementation for 12 weeks in postmenopausal women. Seventy six healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to receive placebo or 3.2 g CLA for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were done. Blood samples were collected after 12-14 hours fasting before and after intervention. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity were estimated based on the homeostasis [HOMA] and QUIKI models. In weeks 0, 6 and 12 during the trial, subjects completed 3d dietary records. These dietary records were coded by the same dietitian, and analyzed with the Food Processor program. There were no significant effect on serum lipids, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity over 12 weeks in postmenopausal women. Mixed isomer CLA supplementation had no effect on serum insulin, lipids profile, glucose and insulin resistance/sensitivity during 12 weeks of intervention in postmenopausal women

Effect of regular exercise on blood pressure, serum glucose and lipid profile in females attending fitness centers

Previous reports have shown that moderate-intensity regular exercise reduces blood pressure, also has beneficial effects on other biochemical parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of regular exercise on blood pressure and lipid profile in overweight or obese women. Thirty five apparently healthy women participated in this study. Their age ranged from 22-46 years, most of them were overweight and obese. The exercise group met a Treadmill training program 2 km in half hour in JandK and Raeky fitness centers in Erbil city. The training group exercised at least three times per week. Blood pressure, heart rate, serum glucose and lipid profiles were monitored throughout 4 weeks of regular exercise. Regular exercise produced significant reductions in both blood pressure and heart rate [Systolic BP decreased from 123.57 +/- 3.76 to 113.93 +/- 3.52 mmHg, Diastolic BP decreased from 81.07 +/- 9.8 to 73.57 +/- 2.59mmHg]. Highly significant reductions in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were observed, whereas no significant changes were detected in serum glucose, triglycerides and High density lipoprotein levels. These data suggest that 4 weeks of regular exercise training in normal persons can result in significant reduction in blood pressure accompanied by favorable changes in lipid profile

Niña con hiperlipemia grave, secundaria a hipotiroidismo por tiroiditis atrófica autoinmunitaria / Severe hyperlipidemia, secondary to hypothyroidism due to atrophic thyroiditis in a girl

Se presenta una niña de 5 años y 8 meses de edad afectada de hiperlipemia grave, no sólo por valores elevados de colesterol total y colesterol asociado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad, sino también por depósito ectópico de grasa en pericardio visceral. Fue tratada con dieta y colestiramina sin diagnóstico de su enfermedad causal. Al momento de la consulta presentaba detención del crecimiento, pérdida de peso, signos clínicos de hipometabolismo y Rx con edad ósea retrasada. El perfil tiroideo confirmó el diagnóstico de hipotiroidismo. Por anticuerpos antitiroideos positivos y franca disminución del volumen tiroideo se hizo diagnóstico de tiroiditis atrófica autoinmunitaria, patología de presentación muy rara en la primera infancia. El diagnóstico tardío afectó el crecimiento lineal.

Relación entre los niveles de lipoproteinas y la circunferencia abdominal / Relationship between lipoprotein levels and abdominal circumference

Evaluar la relación entre las concentraciones de lípidos y la circunferencia abdominal en adultos. Estudio caso-control, realizado entre Agosto 2007 hasta Agosto 2008, en pacientes adultos que acudieron al Hospital Vargas de Caracas. Se empleó para el diagnóstico del perfil lipídico mediante métodos enzimáticos. Se dividió la muestra así: grupo de estudio: pacientes con circunferencia abdominal mayor de 90 y 80 cms para hombres y mujeres respectivamente; grupo control con circunferencia abdominal menor de 90 y 80 cms para hombres y mujeres. Se calculó la proporción de pacientes con dislipidemia en cada grupo y se compararon por la prueba del Chi cuadrado con corrección de Fisher. Se calcularon los promedios y valores de cada uno de los lípidos para cada grupo de pacientes y se compararon con la prueba T. Se estudiaron 98 pacientes de ambos sexos, La variable HDL estudiada resultó significativa al comparar los cuatro grupos (P= 0,0028), siendo el grupo de mujeres con circunferencia Abdominal menor o igual a 80 centímetros el Promedio más alto. La variable Triglicéridos, estudiada al comparar los cuatro grupos de estudio, en relación con los niveles de circunferencia Abdominal según los valores patrones establecidos, fue significativa (P=0,01). La tensión arterial diastólica obtuvo significancia estadística (P= 0,0000), igualmente la Sistólica (P= 0,0006) mm Hg, al ser comparada con los cuatro grupos estudiados, y el mayor promedio fue en los hombres con circunferencia abdominal mayor de 90 centímetros tanto para la diastólica como para la sistólica. No se encontró asociación entre los niveles de lipoproteínas y obesidad abdominal. La presión arterial diastólica está asociada a la obesidad abdominal.

To evaluate the relatioship between seric lipid levels and abdominal circunference Case- control, study done during the period August 2007-August 2008, in ambulatory patients of the Hospital Vargas, Caracas, Venezuela. Enzimatic assays were used for the seric measurements of cholesterol, glycemia and TSH. We divided the sample in two groups: one study group with abdominal circunference greater de 80 and 90 cm (men and women) and a control group with abdominal circunference smaller than de 80 and 90 cm respectively. The proportion of patients with dyslipidemia was calculated in each group. And compared through Chi Square test corrected by Fisher. Average for each group of lipids were calculated and compared by T test. We studied 98 pacients of both genders, HDL-cholesterol was significant when the four groups were compared (P= 0,0028), and the group of women with an abdominal circunference smaller of 80 o less cm a 80 centímetros had the highest average. Triglycerides in relation with abdominal circunference also showed a significant relationship (P=0,01). Diastolic blood pressure also had statistical significance (P= 0,0000), as did systolic BP Sistólica (P= 0,0006) mmHg, when compared in all groups, with the highest value in men with abdominal circunference greater than 90 cm. No association was found between levels of lipoproteins entre los niveles de lipoproteínas and abdominal obesidad. Diastolic BP was associated with abdominal obesity.

effect of co-administration of aquous extract of bunium persicum and endurance training on plasma lipids in hypercholesterolemic male mice

The effect of endurance training on lipid profile and cardiovascular endurance in normal rat after Bunium Persicum Extract [BPE] administration has been previously investigated. In the present study, the effect of co-administration of endurance training and persicum extract on plasma lipid and lipoproteins in hypercholesterolemic male mice was examined. In this experimental study, 60 male mice were, randomly, divided into 4 groups: Vehicle, Endurance Training [ET], Bunium Persicum Extract Administer [BPEA] and ET-BPEA group. The Exercise protocol was performed at a speed of 18 m/min, 40 min/day, 5 day/week for 6-weeks. The Bunium Persicum Extract was also administered in the same period and the desired dose [0.8 mg] was reconstituted in 0.4 ml of distilled water. The amount of Triglyceride [TG], Total Cholesterol [TC], HDL-c, LDL-c and Body Weight were registered at the beginning and also at the end of the 6 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA method. The results indicated that the 6-week endurance training accompanied by Bunium Persicum aquous extract administration reduced TC [pretest; 297.7 +/- 37.08, post test; 146.1 +/- 30.8, p=0.019] and LDL-c concentrations [pretest; 151.8 +/- 14.4, post test; 0.12 +/- 8.7, p=0.00l]. On the other hand, Bunium Persicum aquous extract administration increased HDL-c concentration significantly [pretest; 75.9 +/- 12.1, post test; 119.9 +/- 17.9, p=0.003]. Furthermore, the results showed that body weight changes were not significant. These results suggest that co-administration of BPE and ET could significantly affect plasma lipid and lipoproteins. Therfore performing such program maybe useful for preventing cardiovascular diseases

Ameliorative effects of whole soybean and oat grains in adrenaline-induced dyslipidemia

This investigation was planned to clarify the anti-dyslipidemic therapeutic effects of a food product containing soybean and/or oat grains in experimental dyslipidemia. A total of 35 adult male albino rats were divided into five groups, normal control, dyslipidemic control, dyslipidemic experimental group fed with soybean product, dyslipidemic experimental group fed with oat grains product and dyslipidemic experimental group fed with the two products in combination Dyslipidemia was induced to rats by injection intraperitonealy with adrenaline. After 30 days of treatment with the plant products, data analysis revealed that there were highly significant increases in the serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol and triglycerides in the dyslipidemic group compared with the normal group. On the other hand, High-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol concentration was highly significantly decreased. Administration of soybean product exhibited a significant decreasing effect on serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations, a significant increasing effect on serum HDL cholesterol level and an obvious improvement in serum triglycerides level which was not statistically significant. Treatment with oat grains containing product showed highly significant decreasing effect on the serum level of total cholesterol, non- significant improvement in LDL cholesterol concentration, a significant increasing effect on serum HDL cholesterol level and non- significant decreasing effect on the level of triglycerides. Administration of the two products in combination exhibited a significant decreasing action on total cholesterol concentration, a highly significant modulation in the impaired LDL cholesterol level, a highly significant increasing effect on serum I-1DL cholesterol level and a significant reduction in triglycerides level as compared with the dyslipidemic control group. The current data demonstrated that regular consumption of whole soybean and oat grains products exhibited marked anti-dyslipidemic modulatory actions on the impaire4 serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles in adrenaline-induced experimental dyslipidemia. Generally, the effect of the two products in combination was more effective than the effect of cacti of them alone

Design and synthesis of some phthalimide derivatives for antihyperlipidemic activity

To synthesize, explore the pharmacophore and evaluate the Structural Activity Relationship [SAR] of some reported and new N-phthaloylamides and N-phthaloylesters of some amino acids [namely, glycine. 1-alanirie, beta-alanine and y-aminobutyrie acids] aiming to find more effective antihyperlipidemic compounds using molecular overlay studies as a modern technique for drug design. The N-phthaloylamides and esters were synthesized using mixed anhydride method in good to escellent yields. The mixed anhydride method have represented a better and an efficient way for synthesizing such amides and esters than the old procedures. Twenty four of the newly synthesized compounds la-i, IIa-i, IIIa, and IVa were tested for their antihyperlipidemic activity against Triton WR- 1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Triton WR-1339 [Tyloxapol, Sigma] was used to induce the suitable hyperlipidemia within 24 hours. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium [CMC-Na, Sigma] was used as a suspending agent. Male waster rats [6-7 week-old, 210-230 g body weight] were used as experimental animals. Spekol - 11 apparatus [Germany] was used to measure the total triglycerides and total cholesterol in the serum. Centrifuge [UK] was used to prepare the blood serum samples. The test compounds were suspended in carboxymethylcellulose sodium solution in 0.5% in normal saline to give 6% concentrations. Triton was dissolved in normal saline to give 12% solution. One hundred thirty five rats were arranged in 27 groups [5 animals each] and were deprived of food but were allowed free to access to drinking water. Each animal in all groups was injected in the tail vein with a volume of Triton solution equivalent to 300 mg/kg boy weight. The animals of one group were orally administered 1 ml of CMC-Na solution and kept as a control group. Animals in the remaining groups were orally given the test compounds at a dose level of 150 mg/kg boy weight. Alter 24 hours, blood was taken from each animal and centrifuged to obtain the serum. The plasma total cholesterol [TC] and total triglyceride [TG] levels were measured and the rates of decrease [%] were calculated using the following equation: Rate of decrease [%] = [I -Vt/Vc] x 100. Where Vt and Vc are the value of TC or TG for the test groups and control group, respectively. The preliminary evaluation of the antihyperlipidemic activity of [1-24] against Triton WR 1339-induced hyperlipidemia in rats showed that several derivatives have demonstrated significant lowering of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels comparing to clofibrate. Most of the compounds have shown good to excellent activities. The test compounds have also shown more antitriglyceridimic than anticholestrolemic activities

Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels. A double blind controlled clinical trial

To study the effect of fine powder of ginger on lipid level in volunteer patients. This is a double blind controlled clinical trial study in 2 cardiac clinics Cardiac Disease Clinic, Babol, north of Iran, between April to May 2004. We randomly divided the patients with hyperlipidemia into 2 groups, treatment group [receiving ginger capsules 3 g/day in 3 divided doses] and placebo group [lactose capsule 3 g/day in 3 divided doses] for 45 days. All subjects with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, and alcohol drinking, pregnancy and peptic ulcer were excluded. Lipid concentrations profile before and after treatment was measured by enzymatic assay. Forty-five patients in the treatment group and 40 patients in placebo group participated in this study. There was a significant reduce in triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein [LDL], very low density lipoprotein [VLDL], levels of before and after study separately in each group [p<0.05]. Mean changes in triglyceride and cholesterol levels of ginger group were significantly higher than placebo group [p<0.05]. Mean reduction in LDL level and increase in high density lipoprotein level of ginger group were higher than the placebo group, but in VLDL level of placebo was higher than ginger [p>0.05]. The results show that ginger has a significant lipid lowering effect compared to placebo

A importância da prevenção primordial do colesterol / The primordial cholesterol prevention importance

A dislipidemia pode aparecer já na infância. Um dos grandes problemas de saúde pública hoje é o desenvolvimento precoce da obesidade, o que os americanos chamam de "coach potato" (literalmente "batata do sofá"), caracterizando crianças e adolescentes que comem muito e erradamente e não fazem quaisquer atividades físicas, relata nesta entrevista o mestre e doutor em Saúde Pública pela USP e diretor da Divisão Clínica do Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, dr. Marcelo Chiara Bertolami. A modificação do estilo de vida é parte essencial no controle das dislipidemias e na prevenção cardiovascular, com a adoção de boa prática alimentar e de atividade física regular, entre outros fatores. Ele chama a atenção para a prevenção primordial da aterosclerose, ou seja, a prevenção do fator de risco antes de seu desenvolvimento nas pessoas. "O caminho para isso é a educação entre as crianças, evitando que elas venham a fumar, a comer erradamente, a se tornarem obesas e sedentárias", afirma o especialista.

Dislipidemias / Dyslipidemias

Os autores salientam o interesse das dislipidemias nos últimos anos, mencionando estudos que demonstram redução da mortalidade total, da prevenção primária e secundária, bem como de acidentes vasculares cerebrais, mencionado as mais recentes diretrizes e recomendações. Apresentam o diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial das dislipidemias e todas as recomendações específicas para a determinação do perfil lipídico, demonstrando os valores de referência, de acordo com as últimas diretrizes. Mencionam a importância da diferenciação das hiperlipidemias primárias e secundárias (hipotireoidismo, síndrome nefrótica, diabetes, obesidade, icterícia obstrutiva, alcoolismo e insuficiência renal crônica e por medicamentos)...

Tratamiento de dislipidemias con ácido nicotínico / Treatment of dyslipidemia with Nicotinic acid

El ácido nicotínico fue el primer agente para el tratamiento de dislipidemias. Con la aparición de las estatinas su uso disminuyó ya que éstas no presentaban los efectos molestos de ruborizacioón causados por el ácido nicotínico. Las estatinas no han demostrado ser tan efectivas para la reducción de los triglicéridos y en el aumento de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad como el ácido nicotínico. Se han desarrollado dos variaciones adicionales de ácido nicotínco con el objetivo de disminuir su poder de causar ruborización y de suministrar un mejor efecto de regulación sobre esos lípidos. En el presente artículo se realiza una revisión de la literatura médica sobre el uso del ácido nicotínico como agente para el control de las dislipidemias. Las dislipidemias son un grupo de trastornos caracterizados por anomalías tanto cuantitativas como cualitativas de las lipoproteínas plasmáticas. La excesiva aucumulación de una se acompaña generalmente de una disminución en la concentración de la otra. Se pueden considerar como el resultado de defectos en el sistema catabólico por anomalías en las enzimas, receptores celulares de superficie, o bien de una estructura anormal de la partícula lipoprotéica que disminuye su capacidad para interactuar con los mecanismo catabólicos. La mayoría de las dislipidemias son poligénicas o el producto de la interacción entre factores ambientales y cierta predisposición genética.