Dilazep and fenofibric acid inhibit MCP-1 mRNA expression in glycoxidized LDL-stimulated human endothelial cells

We previously reported that glycoxidized low-density lipoprotein (glycoxidized LDL) enhanced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression through activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). Here we investigated the effects of dilazep, an anti-platelet agent, and fenofibric acid, an active metabolite of fenofibrate, on glycoxidized low-density lipoprotein-(LDL)-enhanced MCP-1 mRNA expression. Both 10 μg/ml dilazep and 100 μM fenofibric acid abrogated MCP-1 mRNA expression. ZM241385, an A2a adenosine receptor antagonist, partially inhibited the suppressive effect of dilazep. NF-κB activity was also suppressed by 1 μg/ml dilazep and 10 μM fenofibric acid. The antioxidative activity of these drugs on glycation to native LDL or oxidation to glycated LDL was measured using lipid peroxidation and lyso-phosphatidylcholine contents in LDL. Dilazep but not fenofibric acid exhibited antioxidative activity. Although the mechanisms of anti-atherogenic effects of the two drugs on glycoxidized LDL are different, both dilazep and fenofibric acid could potentially prevent atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus.