Apolipoprotein E mimetic is more effective than apolipoprotein A-I mimetic in reducing lesion formation in older female apo E null mice

Abstract

ObjectiveThe apolipoprotein E mimetic peptide Ac-hE18A-NH2, capable of reducing plasma cholesterol and possessing anti-inflammatory properties, was compared with the well-studied anti-atherogenic apoA-I mimetic peptide 4F for reducing lesion formation in female apoE null mice with already existing lesions. Methods and resultsIn initial experiments, Ac-hE18A-NH2 was administered retro-orbitally two or three times weekly for 6–8 weeks, while peptide 4F was administered intraperitoneally every day for the same period. Age matched controls were injected with saline every day. At the end of the treatment period, plasma cholesterol levels of Ac-hE18A-NH2 administered mice were significantly lower than in 4F and control mice. However, both 4F and Ac-hE18A-NH2 showed reduced lesion areas in en face lesion analysis to a similar extent compared to the control group, while paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity was increased only in the Ac-hE18A-NH2 group. In the third experiment, both peptides were administered at the same dose, frequency, and route of administration. The reduction in en face lesions with Ac-hE18A-NH2 was significantly greater than the 4F and control groups, although lesions in 4F-treated mice were also significantly reduced compared with controls. Both peptide groups had significantly reduced plasma lipid hydroperoxides, but only the Ac-hE18A-NH2 group had significantly reduced serum amyloid A levels. HDL and plasma inflammatory indices were significantly reduced in both peptide groups compared with controls. ConclusionsAlthough both peptides had similar anti-inflammatory properties, Ac-hE18A-NH2 was more effective in inhibiting lesions than 4F at the same dose, frequency, and route of administration, perhaps due to its cholesterol reducing properties.