Differential effects of beclobrate on lipid/lipoprotein distribution in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats

Recent advances in heterobimetallic catalysis across a “transition metal–tin” motif

This review focuses on the efficacy of catalysts, based on a transition metal–tin (TM–Sn) motif and crafted on a single scaffold, in mediating a wide variety of organic transformations.

Regioselective ruthenium-catalyzed direct benzylations of arenes through C-H bond cleavages

Highly regioselective ruthenium-catalyzed direct benzylations through C-H bond cleavages were accomplished under remarkably mild, nonacidic reaction conditions, for which experimental studies suggested a S(E)Ar-type mechanism not to be operative.

Dual-Reagent Catalysis within Ir−Sn Domain: Highly Selective Alkylation of Arenes and Heteroarenes with Aromatic Aldehydes

Reactions of arenes and heteroarenes with aromatic aldehydes proceeded smoothly in the presence of a catalytic combination of [Ir(COD)Cl]2-SnCl4 to afford the corresponding triarylmethane derivatives (TRAMs) in high yields. This 100% TRAM selective transformation is clean and eliminates the use of acid systems.

Drug control of reverse cholesterol transport

Reverse cholesterol transport identifies a series of metabolic events resulting in the transport of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the vehicle of cholesterol in this reverse transport, a function believed to explain the inverse correlation between plasma HDL levels and atherosclerosis. An attempt to stimulate, by the use of drugs, this transport process may hold promise in the prevention and treatment of arterial disease. Among the agents affecting lipoprotein metabolism, only probucol exerts significant effects on reverse cholesterol transport, by stimulating the activity of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein and, consequently, altering HDL subfraction composition/distribution. Another approach to the stimulation of reverse cholesterol transport consists of raising plasma HDL levels; studies in animals, either by exogenous supplementation or by endogenous overexpression, have shown a consistent benefit in terms of atherosclerosis regression and/or non-progression. Thus, it is time to consider different future treatments of atherosclerosis, combining the classical lipid-lowering treatments with innovative methods to promote cholesterol removal from the arterial wall.