Ezetimibe reduces plaque inflammation in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis and inhibits monocyte migration in addition to its lipid-lowering effect.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Ezetimibe, a selective inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, might also suppress inflammatory components of atherogenesis. We have studied the effects of ezetimibe on two characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques (infiltrate and fibrosis) and on expression of inflammatory genes in a rabbit model of accelerated atherosclerosis.

Experimental approach

Femoral atherosclerosis was induced by a combination of endothelial desiccation and atherogenic diet. Animals were randomized to ezetimibe (0.6 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)), simvastatin (5 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)), ezetimibe plus simvastatin or no treatment, still on atherogenic diet. A control group of rabbits received normolipidemic diet.

Key results

Rabbits fed the normolipidemic diet showed nor

SUBMITTER: Gomez-Garre D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2697737 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature