Hypolipidemic effect of a prodrug containing nicotinic acid in rats. Correlation with plasmatic levels.

We have studied a macromolecular prodrug that contains nicotinic acid bound on a polymeric support of dextran. We have determined plasmatic levels of nicotinic acid, by a HPLC method, after macromolecular conjugate administration for a 24 hours period. In order to study the hypolipidemic effect, triglyceride levels were determined and correlated with plasmatic levels of nicotinic acid. The obtained data show that, starting from 6 hours after polymeric conjugate administration, plasmatic levels of nicotinic acid are high enough to determine a significantly decrease in triglycerides level. As a conclusion we assume that the active substance was gradually released from the polymeric support leading to a prolonged presence of the active substance in the body, which caused a lowered triglycerides level.