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ABSTRACT: Background and purpose
Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists are atheroprotective but often induce hypertriglyceridaemia and liver steatosis. We investigated the effect of a novel high-affinity LXR activator, AZ876, on plasma lipids, inflammation and atherosclerosis, and compared the effects with another LXR agonist, GW3965.Experimental approach
APOE*3Leiden mice were fed an atherogenic diet alone or supplemented with either AZ876 (5 or 20µmol·kg(-1) ·day(-1) ) or GW3965 (17µmol·kg(-1) ·day(-1) ) for 20 weeks. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured using commercial kits. Plasma cytokines were determined by using bead-based multiplex suspension array kits with the Luminex technology. Atherosclerosis was assessed histochemically and lesion composition was assessed by immunohistochemical methods.Key results
Low-dose AZ876 had no effect on plasma or liver lipids, whereas high-dose AZ876 increased plasma triglycerides (+110%) and reduced cholesterol (-16%) compared with controls. GW3965 increased plasma triglycerides (+70%). Low-dose AZ876 reduced lesion area (-47%); and high-dose AZ876 strongly decreased lesion area (-91%), lesion number (-59%) and severity. In either dose, AZ876 did not affect lesion composition. GW3965 reduced atherosclerosis and collagen content of lesions (-23%; P < 0.01). High-dose AZ876 and GW3965, but not low-dose AZ876, reduced inflammation as reflected by lower cytokine levels and vessel wall activation.Conclusions and implications
We have identified a novel LXR agonist that when given in a low dose inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis without inducing anti-inflammatory effects, liver steatosis or hypertriglyceridaemia. Therefore, the primary protective action of a low-dose AZ876 is likely to be an increased reverse cholesterol transport.
SUBMITTER: van der Hoorn J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3057293 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
van der Hoorn Jwa J Lindén D D Lindahl U U Bekkers Mea M Voskuilen M M Nilsson R R Oscarsson J J Lindstedt El E Princen Hmg H
British journal of pharmacology 20110401 7
<h4>Background and purpose</h4>Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists are atheroprotective but often induce hypertriglyceridaemia and liver steatosis. We investigated the effect of a novel high-affinity LXR activator, AZ876, on plasma lipids, inflammation and atherosclerosis, and compared the effects with another LXR agonist, GW3965.<h4>Experimental approach</h4>APOE*3Leiden mice were fed an atherogenic diet alone or supplemented with either AZ876 (5 or 20µmol·kg(-1) ·day(-1) ) or GW3965 (17µmol·kg(-1) ...[more]