Effects of alpha-tocopherol on lipid profile in primary hyperlipidemia

ABSTRACT

To determine the antihyperlipidemic effects of alpha-tocopherol in primary hyperlipidemia. An analytical cohort study. This study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Basic Medical Sciences Institute of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, from February to April 2001. Newly diagnosed and un-treated primary hyperlipidemic persons of either gender between the ages 17 to 70 years were initially enrolled in the study for a 12 weeks [90 day] trial with fortnightly follow up visits. The selected patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group [Group-I] was treated with diet restriction and exercise only. The second group [Group-II] was treated with diet restriction, exercise and alpha -tocopherol. Results were compared using paired t-test. There were 35 patients in all. After treatment with alpha-tocopherol, cholesterol reduction was highly significant [p<0.01]. Triglyceride reduction was significant [p<0.05]. Increase in HDL-c level was highly significant [p<0.001]. The LDL-c reduction was statistically highly significant [p<0.001]. VLDL reduction was also significant [p<0.01]. When compared between the Groups I and II, the reduction in cholesterol was moderately significant [p<0.01], LDL-c reduction was found to be markedly significant [p<0.01]. HDL and VLDL reduction was also found to be significant [p<0.05]. In comparison there was no significant change in triglyceride level. Diet restriction and exercise had significant beneficial effects on lipid profile. When supplemented with alpha -tocopherol, there was a highly significant beneficial effect on lipid profile