Fibrates are hypolipaemic agents with a broad spectrum of action and long-term safety. They reduce the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity and can induce also regression of coronary atherosclerosis. They lower the plasma concentration of total and LDL-cholesterol, triacylglyce- rols, and produce a rise of HDL-cholesterol. Moreover they can reduce the level of fibrinogen, lipoprotein/a/, PAI-1, uric acid and the concentration of highly atherogenic small dense LDL3. Their effect is mediated by activation of „peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors“ (PPARs) in the cell nucleus. At present we find on the market second generation fibrates as well as modern micronized medicaments of the third generation. They are indicated for treatment of patients with hypertriglyceridaemia, combined hyperlipidaemia and diabetic dyslipidaemia.

        Key words: Fibrates - Cardiovascular disease - Cholesterol - Triacylglycerols - Hyperlipoproteina- emia