Serum LDL cholesterol, the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio and liver microsomal enzyme induction evaluated by antipyrine kinetics

The association of serum LDL and HDL cholesterol with hepatic microsomal enzyme induction, assessed by plasma antipyrine kinetics was investigated in 30 epileptics. Patients on enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants had reduced LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios and elevated HDL cholesterol concentrations and HDL/total cholesterol ratios, indicating a cholesterol transfer from LDL to HDL. Strong hepatic microsomal enzyme induction was associated with reduced LDL cholesterol. The LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio was negatively proportional and the HDL/total cholesterol ratio positively proportional to the antipyrine clearance rate. Epileptics, particularly those with a high antipyrine clearance, had a cholesterol distribution pattern characteristic of a low probability of developing coronary atherosclerosis. The results support the view that hepatic microsomal enzyme induction favourably alters the cholesterol distribution in the body.