Combination Treatment With Green Tea Extract and Statins in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia

Phase 2

Completed

• Conditions: Hypercholesterolemia
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Green Tea Extract - Catechins; Dietary Supplement: Placebo

• Registration Number: NCT00944827
• Lead Sponsor: University of Thessaly

Brief Summary

There is a positive correlation between serum's cholesterol levels and death from cardiovascular disease, especially coronary artery disease. The reduction of plasma lipids levels is one of the main goals of prevention. Research has shown that green tea has beneficial effects on health due to the polyphenolic substances (catechins) that it contains. Studies have shown that prolonged consumption of polyphenols has a positive effect on factors related to cardiovascular risk such as obesity, dislipidemia and various indicators of oxidative stress.

The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of catechin supplementation, in combination with the classic treatment for the reduction of hypercholesterolemia, statin therapy, on the treatment's effectiveness and in the reduction of classic side effects.

Detailed Description

This is a randomized, double - blind placebo controlled trial. The patients will be divided randomly in two groups; one group will receive statin and catechin, while the other statin and placebo for 12 weeks. The experimental group will receive 20 mg atorvastatin (Lipitor) daily and 600 mg of catechin in capsules, while the control group will receive 20 mg atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Placebo in identical capsules of 600 mg for the same time period.

The patients will undergo biochemical evaluation in which the serum lipids, the levels of oxidative stress and the antioxidant capacity will be assessed. Body composition will be calculated with anthropometric measurements, while the levels of visceral fat, the subcutaneous fat, as well as the level of liver fat infiltration will be examined with the use of computed tomography images. Factors related to the patients' quality of life will be assessed by a series of questionnaires.

The investigators hypothesized that the combination treatment with statin and green tea extract (catechins)will improve in a greater extent the lipidemic profile, increase antioxidant capacity, reducing significantly visceral fat and intrahepatic lipids content.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2007-09
• Status Verified: 2009-07
• Study First Submitted: 2009-07-21
• Study First Submitted QC: 2009-07-22
• Study First Posted: 2009-07-23
• Primary Completion: 2009-10
• Study Completion: 2009-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2010-12-02
• Last Update Posted: 2010-12-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

• Total cholesterol >200mg/dl, or LDL >160 mg/dl

Exclusion Criteria

• normal lipidemic profile, on statin medication, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, severe hypertension, pregnancy, or severe side effects after 4 weeks of treatment

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
GTE	Green Tea Extract - Catechins	The experimental group will receive 20 mg atorvastatin (Lipitor) daily and 600 mg. of pure catechin in capsules
CON	Placebo	The control group will receive 20 mg atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Placebo in identical capsules containing 600 mg placebo for 12 weeks

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Reduction in Total CHO and LDH	12 wks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
lipids profile, body composition, visceral adiposity, Redox status, glucose disposal, Insulin sensitivity index, liver fat infiltration, quality of life parameters	12 wks

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

General Hospital of Trikala; 🇬🇷 Trikala, Thessaly, Greece