Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hepatic cytochrome P-450 concentrations in epileptics undergoing anticonvulsant treatment

Abstract

Relation of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration to hepatic microsomal enzyme activity in eighteen epileptics with diagnostic liver biopsy was investigated, the cytochrome P-450 content in biopsy samples being used to reflect the liver enzyme activity. A significant correlation (r = 0.67, P<0.01) was found. Combination therapy with anticonvulsants was associated with higher plasma HDL cholesterol and hepatic cytochrome P-450 concentrations than the treatment with phenytoin alone. Serum triglyceride level was inversely related to the hepatic cytochrome P-450 content (r = -0.62, P<0.01). Plasma HDL cholesterol and hepatic cytochrome P-450 were related to liver histology. Patients with hepatic fatty infiltration had low HDL cholesterol and cytochrome P-450 concentrations.

Key Words:

• anticonvulsants
• cytochrome P-450
• HDL cholesterol
• liver
• microsomal enzymes
• triglycerides