The thyromimetic T-0681 protects from atherosclerosis

This report describes studies in hyperlipidemic New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits investigating the impact of the liver-selective thyromimetic T-0681 on lipoprotein metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis. Prolonged treatment with T-0681 increased the hepatic expression of both LDL receptor and scavenger receptor class B, type I without affecting cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity. Upregulation of hepatic lipoprotein receptors was accompanied by a marked decrease of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, reflected by a 60% reduction of plasma cholesterol and a > 70% reduction of plasma triglyceride levels. Most importantly, T-0681 reduced the development of atherosclerosis by 80% in NZW rabbits on high-cholesterol chow. jlr Our data suggest that liver-selective thyromimetics, such as T-0681, may prove to be useful therapeutic agents against the development of atherosclerosis in humans.-Tancevski, I., A. Wehinger, E. Demetz, J. Hoefer, P. Eller, E. Huber, U. Stanzl, K. Duwensee, K. Auer, W. Schgoer, V. Kuhn, C. Fievet, F. Stellaard, M. Rudling, B. Foeger, J. R. Patsch, and A. Ritsch. The thyromimetic T-0681 protects from atherosclerosis. J. Lipid Res. 2009. 50: 938-944.