GEMFIBROZIL

What is gemfibrozil?

Gemfibrozil is part of a class of medications known as fibric acid derivates. Their primary function is to lower triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels in patients.

How does gemfibrozil work?

Cholesterol in the body comprises two parts: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol, as an abundance of this type can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and other health problems. HDL, on the other hand, is the “good” cholesterol; it clears other circulating cholesterol in the body to prevent buildup [1]. Gemfibrozil affects HDL and triglycerides, another potentially harmful fat circulating in the blood. Gemfibrozil works to increase the amount of HDL and break down unwanted triglycerides so they can be removed from the body.

How can gemfibrozil affect those with long-COVID?

Gemfibrozil also possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-thrombotic properties [2]. These properties help reduce symptoms for those suffering from long-COVID. Additionally, gemfibrozil has activity against an enzyme called ACE2, the same enzyme that COVID-19 uses to enter the cells. By blocking this entryway, gemfibrozil stops COVID-19, thereby halting its access into the body [2].

Although more research needs to be conducted in humans to solidify gemfibrozil’s role in long-COVID, it does show promise based on its properties. One study showed that viral infectivity may be reduced by up to 70% [3].  In persons with long-COVID, the current theory is that although patients are not actively infected, they still shed the virus in their bodies [3]. Through gemfibrozil’s ability to block COVID-19’s access into the cells, COVID-19 is now halted, decreasing symptoms and eventual recovery.

References:

¹https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/hdl-cholesterol/art-20046388#:~:text=High%2Ddensity%20lipoprotein%20(HDL),of%20cholesterol%20from%20your%20bloodstream

²https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00011-022-01615-w

³https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.08.021