Abstract
Twenty-two patients with hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol ≥220mg/dl or triglyceride≥120mg/dl) were treated with elastase (10800 El. U./day) for 12 or 24 weeks, during which time changes in serum lipid levels were observed.
The serum level of total cholesterol was reduced significantly within 4 to 20 weeks following the administration of elastase, while that of HDL-cholesterol was increased. Therefore, the atherogenic index was lowered significantly.
Serum triglyceride, β-lipoprotein and phospholipid levels were also significantly reduced at 8 and 12 weeks, respectively, following medication. On the other hand, no change in the serum free fatty acid level was recognized.
Complications caused by this drug were not found in any of the patients given this medication.
