A review of paradoxical HDL-C responses to fenofibrate, illustrated by a case report

►HDL-C is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.►Fibrates are widely used for their triglyceride lowering and HDL-C raising effects.►Fibrates may paradoxically lower HDL-C.►The mechanism of this paradoxical response remains unclear.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fibrates are widely used in the management of atherogenic dyslipidemia, principally for their triglyceride-lowering and HDL-C-raising effects. Fibrates may cause paradoxical reductions in HDL-C. These reductions are usually modest, but significant reductions have been observed. The molecular mechanism for these paradoxical reductions remains unexplained despite advances in our understanding of lipid metabolism. This review considers possible mechanisms for this effect, illustrated by a patient with an observed reduction in HDL-C of 88% after introduction of fenofibrate.