Suppression of liver apo E secretion leads to HDL/cholesterol immaturity in rats administered ethinylestradiol

Ethinylestradiol (EE), a main component of the combined oral contraceptive pill, is associated with an increased risk of arterial diseases. However, the toxicity mechanism of EE is poorly understood. In this study, we found that the exposure to EE reduced the serum apolipoprotein E (Apo E) level and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/cholesterol concentration in adult female rats. Diethylstilbestrol showed the same effects and both reductions were suppressed by coadministration of tamoxifen (TAM). Liver perfusion experiments revealed that the secretion rate of Apo E from the liver was significantly reduced. It is concluded that EE damages the maturation of HDL/cholesterol by delaying Apo E secretion from the liver, and this may lead to an increased risk of arterial diseases, such as atheromas.