Fenretinide treatment accelerates atherosclerosis development in apoE-deficient mice in spite of beneficial metabolic effects.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Fenretinide, a synthetic retinoid derivative first investigated for cancer prevention and treatment, has been shown to ameliorate glucose tolerance, improve plasma lipid profile and reduce body fat mass. These effects, together with its ability to inhibit ceramide synthesis, suggest that fenretinide may have an anti-atherosclerotic action.

Experimental approach

To this aim, nine-week-old apoE-knockout (EKO) female mice were fed for twelve weeks a Western diet, without (control) or with (0.1% w/w) fenretinide. As a reference, wild-type (WT) mice were treated similarly. Growth and metabolic parameters were monitored throughout the study. Atherosclerosis development was evaluated in the aorta and at the aortic sinus. Blood and lymphoid organs were further

SUBMITTER: Busnelli M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6989955 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature