A study was conducted to investigate effect of oral administration of Pantethine (600mg/day) on changes in serum lipids in 136 subjects with hyperlipidemia obtained from 32 institutions in Tokai District, Japan.
During an observation period of 12 weeks, serum total cholesterol (p<0.001) and triglyceride (p<0.05) were significantly decreased, whereas HDL-cholesterol (p<0.001) increased, resulting in significant amelioration in atherogenic index (p<0.001). No significant differences in changes of serum lipids were observed between diabetics and non-diabetic subjects.
As compared with serum lipids in patients with type IIa and IV, serum lipids in those with type IIb were most improved with respect to both HDL-cholesterol concentration and the atherogenic index.
According to comprehensive evaluation of ameliorations in serum lipids, administration of Pantethine was assumed to be effective in 74.1%. Side effects were observed only in 3 cases; each one of eruption, nausea and diarrhea.
In conclusion, oral administration of Pantethine is found to be useful for elevation in HDL-cholesterol, through which further development of atherosclerosis may be prevented.
