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. 2010:2010:306147.
doi: 10.1155/2010/306147. Epub 2010 Feb 24.

The Effects of Extended Release Niacin in Combination with Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplements in the Treatment of Elevated Lipoprotein (a)

Alan F Helmbold  1 , Jennifer N Slim, Jennifer Morgan, Laudino M Castillo-Rojas, Eric A Shry, Ahmad M Slim
Affiliations

The Effects of Extended Release Niacin in Combination with Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplements in the Treatment of Elevated Lipoprotein (a)

Alan F Helmbold et al. Cholesterol. 2010.

Abstract

Objective. To assess the effectiveness of niacin/fish oil combination therapy in reducing Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels after twelve weeks of therapy. Background. Lipoprotein (a) accumulates in atherosclerotic lesions and promotes smooth muscle cell growth and is both atherogenic and thrombogenic. A clinical trials of combination therapy for the reduction of Lp(a) has not been previously reported. Methods. The study was an observational study following subjects with an elevated Lp(a) (>70 nmol/L) to assess impact of 12 weeks of combination Omega 3FA, niacin, and the Mediterranean diet on Lp(a). Results. Twenty three patients were enrolled with 7 patients lost to follow up and 2 patients stopped due to adverse events. The average Lp(a) reduction in the remaining 14 subjects after 12 weeks of combination therapy was 23% ± 17% [P = .003] with a significant association of the reduction of Lp(a) with increasing baseline levels of Lp(a) [R(2) = 0.633, P = .001]. Conclusions. There was a significant reduction in Lp(a) levels with combination therapy. A more pronounced effect was noted in patients with higher baseline levels of Lp(a).

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The percent reduction in Lp(a) as observed after 12 weeks of niacin/fish oil combination therapy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The more pronounced trend in percent reduction in Lp(a) as observed after 12 weeks of niacin/fish oil combination therapy in patients with baseline Lp(a) > 200 nmol/L.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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