Cholesteryl ester transfer protein: An enigmatic pharmacology – Antagonists and agonists. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamashita, Shizuya; Ruscica, Massimiliano; Macchi, Chiara; Corsini, Alberto; Matsuzawa, Yuji; Sirtori, Cesare R.
• Is Part Of: Atherosclerosis. Volume 278(2018)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 298
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein -- Inhibitor -- Anacetrapib -- Torcetrapib -- Dalcetrapib -- Evacetrapib -- High density lipoproteins -- Reverse cholesterol transport -- Probucol -- Leoligin; Arteriosclerosis -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.136
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.09.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9150

Abstract

Abstract: The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) system moves cholesteryl esters (CE) from high density lipoproteins (HDL) to lower density lipoproteins, i.e. very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in exchange for triglycerides (TGs). This shuttle process will ultimately form complexes facilitating a bidirectional exchange of CE and TGs, the end process being CE delivery to catabolic sites. The CETP system is generally characteristic of higher animal species; lower species, not provided with this system, have higher and enlarged HDL enriched with apo E, suitable for tissue receptor interaction. Discovery of the CETP system has led to the development of agents interfering with CETP, thus elevating HDL-C and potentially preventing cardiovascular (CV) disease. Activation of CETP leads instead to reduced HDL-C levels, but also to an enhanced removal of CE from tissues. CETP antagonists are mainly small molecules (torcetrapib, anacetrapib, evacetrapib, dalcetrapib) and have provided convincing evidence of a HDL-C raising activity, but disappointing results in trials of CV prevention. In contrast, the CETP agonist probucol leads to HDL-C lowering followed by an increment of tissue cholesterol removal (reduction of xanthomas, xanthelasmas) and positive findings in secondary prevention trials. The drug has an impressive anti-inflammatory profile (markedly reduced interleukin-1β expression). Newer agents, some of natural origin, have additional valuable pharmacodynamic properties. The pharmacological approach to the CETP system remains enigmatic, although the failure of CETP antagonists has dampened enthusiasm. Studies on the system, a crossroad for any investigation on cholesterol metabolism, have however provided crucial contributions and will still be confronting any scientist working on CV prevention. Highlights: The CETP system transfers-exchanges cholesteryl esters for triglycerides from HDL to VLDL-LDL. Changes of the system may lead to either higher or lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Blockade of CETP leads to higher HDL-cholesterol but disappointing cardiovascular protection. Activation of CETP leads to lower HDL-cholesterol but may result in arterial benefit. Choice between agonism and antagonism to CETP is presently an object of debate.