Long-term administration of pravastatin reduces serum lipoprotein(a) levels.

Abstract

The long-term effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors on serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels has been poorly investigated. This study sought to examine the effect of 24 months' administration of pravastatin on serum Lp(a) levels. 23 patients with coronary artery disease and serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels of 120 mg/dl or above were included. Serum levels of lipids and Lp(a) were serially determined after the administration of pravastatin for 24 months. Serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels significantly decreased from 1 month after the drug administration and the reduction persisted for 24 months, whereas Lp(a) levels did not decrease at 3 months after the administration but significantly decreased at 12 months or more. The reduction in the Lp(a) levels was not related to the dose of pravastatin. The results indicated that long-term administration of pravastatin for 12 months or more significantly reduced serum Lp(a) levels and the reduction of Lp(a) levels occurred much later than that of LDL-C levels. The delayed reduction in serum Lp(a) levels after the administration of pravastatin may be associated with a retarded inhibition of Lp(a) synthesis by the drug.