A novel inhibitor of oxidosqualene:lanosterol cyclase inhibits very low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) production and enhances low-density lipoprotein apoB100 catabolism through marked reduction in hepatic cholesterol content.
OBJECTIVE
Inhibition of 2,3-oxidosqualene:lanosterol cyclase (OSC), an enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, has the unique ability to inhibit cholesterol synthesis while simultaneously enhancing oxysterol synthesis. Our objectives were to determine, in vivo, if a novel OSC inhibitor reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and to define the mechanism(s) involved.


RESULTS
Miniature pigs received the OSC inhibitor RO0717625 or placebo and a diet containing fat (34% of energy) and 400 mg per day of cholesterol. Treatment decreased plasma total cholesterol (-20%) and LDL cholesterol (-29%). Apolipoprotein B (apoB) kinetic parameters were determined. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) apoB pool size decreased 22% because of inhibition of VLDL production (-43%). LDL apoB pool size decreased 22% because of a 1.5-fold increase in fractional catabolic rate (FCR). The increased FCR was associated with a 2-fold increase in hepatic LDL receptor mRNA. Hepatic total and microsomal cholesterol were reduced by 16% and 27%, respectively. Plasma lathosterol concentrations decreased 57%, reflecting inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Treatment reduced plasma plant sterols and decreased postprandial cholesterol transport in chylomicrons.


CONCLUSIONS
A novel OSC inhibitor, RO0717625, decreased VLDL and LDL apoB100 through decreased VLDL production and enhanced LDL clearance. Thus, OSC represents a potential therapeutic target for dyslipidemia.
Telford
Dawn E
DE
Robarts Research Institute, Vascular Biology Group, Department of Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Lipson
Sara M
SM
Barrett
P Hugh R
PH
Sutherland
Brian G
BG
Edwards
Jane Y
JY
Aebi
Johannes D
JD
Dehmlow
Henrietta
H
Morand
Olivier H
OH
Huff
Murray W
MW
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D053299:Apolipoprotein B-100; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D015243:Cholesterol, VLDL / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019751:Intramolecular Transferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000097:blood; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D011973:Receptors, LDL / Q000235:genetics; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D053299:Apolipoprotein B-100; D001055:Apolipoproteins B; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D015243:Cholesterol, VLDL; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D010840:Phytosterols; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011973:Receptors, LDL; C001521:lathosterol; D002784:Cholesterol; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases; D019751:Intramolecular Transferases; C021924:lanosterol synthase