Fatty acid bile acid conjugates inhibit atherosclerosis in the C57BL/6 mouse model.

Objective: The aim of the current research was to study whether fatty acid bile acid conjugates (FABACs) have a beneficial effect on atherosclerosis progression and blood lipid levels in mice.
Methods: C57BL/6 female mice, fed a high-fat Paigen diet, were administered an oral dose of FABAC or DDH2O daily. Quantification of atherosclerotic fatty-streak lesions at the aortic sinus was performed.
Results: The FABAC-treated mice showed a significant reduction in the atherosclerotic lesion areas as compared to the control group (p = 0.019). A significant elevation in total cholesterol levels was observed in both the FABAC and control groups. Higher FABAC levels were measured in the high-density lipoprotein fraction as compared to the very-low-density and low-density lipoprotein fractions.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that FABACs, given orally, reduce the development of atherosclerosis in mice fed a high-fat high-cholesterol diet, despite a lack of effect on plasma lipid levels.
(Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel)