Targeting at enhancing reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is apromising strategy for treating atherosclerosis via infusion of reconstitute high density lipoprotein (HDL) as cholesterol acceptors or increase of cholesterol efflux by activation of macrophage liver X receptors (LXRs). However, systemic activation of LXRs triggers excessive lipogenesis in the liver and infusion of HDL downregulates cholesterol efflux from macrophages. Here we describe an enlightened strategy using phospholipid reconstituted apoA-I peptide (22A)-derived synthetic HDL (sHDL) to deliver LXR agonists to the atheroma and examine their effect on atherosclerosis regression in vivo. A synthetic LXR agonist, T0901317 (T1317) was encapsulated in sHDL nanoparticles (sHDL-T1317). Similar to the T1317 compound, the sHDL-T1317 nanoparticles upregulated the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters and increased cholesterol efflux in macrophages in vitro and in vivo. The sHDL nanoparticles accumulated in the atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE-deficient mice. Moreover, a 6-week low-dose LXR agonist-sHDL treatment induced atherosclerosis regression while avoiding lipid accumulation in the liver. These findings identify LXR agonist loaded sHDL nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic approach to treat atherosclerosis by targeting RCT in a multifaceted manner: sHDL itself serving as both a drug carrier and cholesterol acceptor and the LXR agonist mediating upregulation of ABC transporters in the aorta.
Macrophage liver X receptors (LXRs) have been established as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of atherosclerosis.
Synthetic high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles deliver LXR agonists to the atheroma and promote atherosclerosis regression.
Systemic administration of LXR ligands (LXR-L) has stalled because of their side effects, especially increased hepatic lipogenesis.
Macrophage LXRs have been established as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of atherosclerosis based on the beneficial effects on enhance of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). However, systemic activation of LXRs triggers excessive lipogenesis in the liver. Synthetic high-density lipoprotein (sHDL) nanoparticles can deliver LXR agonists to the atheroma and promote atherosclerosis regression by targeting RCT in a multifaceted manner: sHDL itself serving as both a drug carrier and cholesterol acceptor and the LXR agonist enhancing cholesterol efflux in the macrophages in the atherosclerotic plaques.