Effects of micronised fenofibrate on lipid and uric acid metabolism in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome

Objective To evaluate the effect of micronised fenofibrate on lipid and uric acid metabolism in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and to explore its potential mechanism. Methods A total of 131 eiderly MS patients with hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia received 200mg of micronised fenofibrate for 4 weeks. Blood lipid profiles,serum uric acid,24 h urine uric acid, and adverse effects were assessed. Results (1)Serum TG was reduced by 49%, whilst HDL-C increased by 18% after micronised fenofibrate treatment for 4 weeks. Moreover,serum TC and LDL-C were reduced by 11% and 14%, respectively. (2)Serum uric acid level was reduced by 31.2% [from (472.5±74.8) μmol/L to (325.0±82.1) μmol/L, P0.01] after treatment. There was difference of decrease in serum uric acid between male and female patients (32.6% and 29.7%, respectively). (3)24 h urine uric acid level was increased by 28.8% [from (2885.2±502.7) βmol/L to (3 701.7±768.2) βmol/L, P0.01]. The 24 h urine uric acid excretion increase was by 30.9% in male patients and by 28.0% in female patients. Conclusion Micronised fenofibrate treatment could significantly improve lipid and uric acid metabolism in elderly MS patients with hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia. The anti-hyperuricemic effect of fenofibrate is a result of increasing the urinary excretion of uric acid.