Synthetic LXR ligand inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in mice

摘要

The nuclear receptors LXRα and LXRβ have been implicated in the control of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in multiple cell types. Activation of these receptors stimulates cholesterol efflux in macrophages, promotes bile acid synthesis in liver, and inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption, actions that would collectively be expected to reduce atherosclerotic risk. However, synthetic LXR ligands have also been shown to induce lipogenesis and hypertri- glyceridemia in mice, raising questions as to the net effects of these compounds on the development of cardiovascular disease.