Fibrates: A Possible Treatment Option for Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease; however, there is no established treatment for patients with AAA. Fibrates are agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) that are widely used as therapeutic agents to treat patients with hypertriglyceridemia. They can regulate the pathogenesis of AAA in multiple ways, for example, by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects and suppressing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Previously, basic and clinical studies have evaluated the effects of fenofibrate on AAA. In this paper, we summarize the results of these studies and discuss the problems associated with using fenofibrate as a therapeutic agent for patients with AAA. In addition, we discuss a new perspective on the regulation of AAA by PPAR alpha agonists.

Automated summary

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease without established treatment. Fibrates, such as fenofibrate, can regulate the pathogenesis of AAA through anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. This paper summarizes the studies on the effects of fenofibrate on AAA and discusses the issues associated with its use as a therapeutic agent.