Effects of fibric acid derivatives on biliary lipid composition.

Fenofibrate, a potent analogue of clofibrate, causes changes in biliary lipid composition similar to those seen with clofibrate and other derivatives of fibric acid, although there is a suggestion that the increase in cholesterol content may be accompanied by an increase in phospholipid content as well as a decrease in bile acid content. This may favor liquid crystal formation, and fenofibrate may have less propensity to cause gallstones than would other derivatives. Many other factors are also important in determining whether supersaturated bile will result in gallstone formation, and the use of this compound should be monitored in the future to determine the clinical importance of these findings.