Newly developed apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide promotes macrophage reverse cholesterol transport in vivo

Abstract Background We elucidated the effect of newly developed Fukuoka Apolipoprotein A-I Mimetic Peptide (FAMP) on in vivo macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods and results Cholesteryl ester transfer protein transgenic mice were divided into FAMP, and placebo control groups, and injected with FAMP or phosphate buffer saline intraperitoneally for 5days. The FAMP group showed a significant decrease in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and plasma from the FAMP group had an increased ability to promote ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)-mediated cholesterol efflux from bone marrow macrophages ex vivo. Furthermore, mice were injected intraperitoneally with 3 H-cholesterol-labeled and cholesterol-loaded macrophages and monitored for the appearance of 3 H-tracer. The amount of 3 H-tracer excreted into feces over 48h in the FAMP group was significantly higher than that in the control group. 3 H-cholesterol ester (CE)-HDL was injected intravenously and 3 H-cholesterol in blood was counted. In the FAMP group, plasma 3 H-CE-HDL decreased rapidly, and treatment with FAMP markedly increased the fractional catabolic rate. Conclusions The administration of FAMP promoted ABCA1-dependent efflux ex vivo, HDL turnover in vivo, and macrophage RCT in vivo despite reduced plasma HDL-C levels. FAMP might have atheroprotective potential.