The influence of free fatty acids on valproic acid plasma protein binding during fasting in normal humans

The effect of physiologic variations of free fatty acid levels on in vivo valproic acid plasma protein binding was studied in 6 healthy adult subjects. 14 blood samples were taken during a 12-h dosing interval at steady state while in a fed condition and also during a 27 h fast. Free fraction and total valproate concentration were determined by equilibrium dialysis and GLC, respectively. Free fatty acid levels were determined from both fresh samples and samples incubated at 37°C for 12 h, the latter in order to simulate equilibrium dialysis conditions. Fasting resulted in increased serum free fatty acid levels in all subjects, ranging from 34–182% (p<0.01). Incubation also caused free fatty acid levels to rise, more so in fed samples (50–87%,p<0.01) than in fasting samples (10–50%,p<0.01). Fasting resulted in a 9% increase in the mean free fraction for all subjects combined (p<0.01). Regression analysis of 180 sets of values for free fraction, total valproate concentration and free fatty acid level suggested that valproate concentration accounts for 17% and free fatty acid level for 37% of the variation in free fraction. Mean clearance was unchanged by fasting despite an increased free fraction suggesting decreased intrinsic clearance (i.e. decreased metabolism) of valproate under these conditions.