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Potential mechanisms of atypical antipsychotic-induced hypertriglyceridemia

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Abstract

Rationale and background

The development of atypical antipsychotic (AAP) drugs has brought about dramatic improvement in the function of many patients with schizophrenia and related mental disorders. However, prescription of AAPs is frequently associated with the emergence of weight gain, hypertriglyceridemia, and other metabolic disturbances. Although the mechanisms involved in AAP-induced hypertriglyceridemia remain to be fully elucidated, several studies have proposed that this side effect may be associated with weight gain and obesity. Recently, special emphasis has been placed on the evidence indicating a direct effect of AAPs on triglyceride metabolism.

Objectives

In this review, we highlight recent findings discussing the potential mechanisms by which AAPs may contribute to hypertriglyceridemia. In addition, we summarize the adjunctive pharmacologic treatments for AAP-associated dyslipidemia.

Conclusions

There is evidence that AAPs may cause hypertriglyceridemia through several possible mechanisms: (1) a direct effect on triglyceride metabolism either by stimulation of hepatic triglyceride production and secretion or by inhibition of lipoprotein lipase-mediated triglyceride hydrolysis and (2) an indirect mechanism associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The practical applications of this manuscript provide new insights for the future investigation of AAPs.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Key Program of Science and Technology Department of Hunan Province, China (Grant No. 2012FJ086).

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No conflict of interest was declared.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Mental Health, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China

    Hu Yan & Jin-Dong Chen

  2. Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China

    Xiao-Yan Zheng

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  1. Hu Yan
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  2. Jin-Dong Chen
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Correspondence to Jin-Dong Chen.

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Yan, H., Chen, JD. & Zheng, XY. Potential mechanisms of atypical antipsychotic-induced hypertriglyceridemia. Psychopharmacology 229, 1–7 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3193-7

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