The molecular mechanisms underlying the reduction of LDL apoB-100 by ezetimibe plus simvastatin

J Lipid Res. 2007 Mar;48(3):699-708. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M600439-JLR200. Epub 2006 Nov 27.

Abstract

The combination of ezetimibe, an inhibitor of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein (NPC1L1), and an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor decreases cholesterol absorption and synthesis. In clinical trials, ezetimibe plus simvastatin produces greater LDL-cholesterol reductions than does monotherapy. The molecular mechanism for this enhanced efficacy has not been defined. Apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) kinetics were determined in miniature pigs treated with ezetimibe (0.1 mg/kg/day), ezetimibe plus simvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), or placebo (n = 7/group). Ezetimibe decreased cholesterol absorption (-79%) and plasma phytosterols (-91%), which were not affected further by simvastatin. Ezetimibe increased plasma lathosterol (+65%), which was prevented by addition of simvastatin. The combination decreased total cholesterol (-35%) and LDL-cholesterol (-47%). VLDL apoB pool size decreased 26%, due to a 35% decrease in VLDL apoB production. LDL apoB pool size decreased 34% due to an 81% increase in the fractional catabolic rate, both of which were significantly greater than monotherapy. Combination treatment decreased hepatic microsomal cholesterol (-29%) and cholesteryl ester (-65%) and increased LDL receptor (LDLR) expression by 240%. The combination increased NPC1L1 expression in liver and intestine, consistent with increased SREBP2 expression. Ezetimibe plus simvastatin decreases VLDL and LDL apoB-100 concentrations through reduced VLDL production and upregulation of LDLR-mediated LDL clearance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • Animals
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / pharmacology
  • Apolipoprotein B-100 / blood*
  • Azetidines / pharmacology*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Ezetimibe
  • Female
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestines / drug effects
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Lipids / blood
  • Lipoproteins / blood
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / blood
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / blood
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL / blood
  • Models, Biological
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, LDL / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Simvastatin / pharmacology*
  • Swine

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Apolipoprotein B-100
  • Azetidines
  • Lipids
  • Lipoproteins
  • Lipoproteins, HDL
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, LDL
  • Cholesterol
  • Simvastatin
  • Ezetimibe