Shimoji E, Zhang B, Fan P, Saku K. Inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein increases serum apolipoprotein (apo) A-I levels by increasing the synthesis of apo A-I in rabbits.
Atherosclerosis 2004;
172:247-57. [PMID:
15019534 DOI:
10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2003.09.029]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2003] [Revised: 07/23/2003] [Accepted: 09/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is an effective way to increase HDL levels in animals and humans. The effects of a CETP inhibitor, JTT-705, on the in vivo kinetics of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apo A-I gene expression in the liver and intestine were investigated.
METHODS
Japanese White rabbits were randomly fed normal rabbit chow LRC-4 (n=10, control) or a food admixture of LRC-4 and 0.75% JTT-705 (n=10, treated) for 7 months. An in vivo kinetics study of apo A-I was performed by injecting rabbit 125I-apo A-I, and apo A-I mRNA levels were quantified by RT-PCR.
RESULTS
JTT-705 significantly inhibited CETP activities, increased serum levels of HDL-cholesterol (C), HDL2-C, HDL-phospholipid, and apo A-I, and decreased HDL-triglyceride levels. The synthetic rate of apo A-I was higher in the treated rabbits than in control rabbits (13.7 +/- 2.6 versus 9.5 +/- 1.3 mg/kg per day, P < 0.05), while the fractional catabolic rate was similar in the two groups. JTT-705 increased apo A-I mRNA levels in the liver without affecting those in the intestine.
CONCLUSION
Inhibition of CETP activity by JTT-705 increases HDL levels by increasing the synthesis of apo A-I, suggesting that it could be a promising therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis.
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