Effects of Rimonabant,as Monotherapy and in Combination With Fenofibrate or Ezetimibe,on Plasma Adipokine Levels: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Weight loss and hypolipidemic drugs can improve lipid and adipokine levels. We assessed the effects of rimonabant, alone and in combination with fenofibrate or ezetimibe, on adipokine levels in obese/overweight patients with dyslipidemia. Overweight/obese patients (n = 60, body mass index = 27-40 kg/m²) with mixed dyslipidemia were recruited. Patients received a hypocaloric diet and were randomized to rimonabant 20 mg/d (group R, n = 20), rimonabant 20 mg/d plus fenofibrate 200 mg/d (group RF, n = 20), or rimonabant 20 mg/d plus ezetimibe 10 mg/d (group RE, n = 20). After 3 months, leptin concentration was significantly reduced in all groups (—38%, P < .005; —40%, P < .005; and —44%, P < .001 in the R, RF, and RE groups, respectively). Total adiponectin remained unaltered. Visfatin concentration decreased significantly only in the RE and RF groups (—18% and —38%, respectively; P < .047). Treatment with rimonabant may improve adipokine levels in overweight/obese patients with dyslipidemia. The addition of fenofibrate or ezetimibe may reinforce this effect.