Comparative antilipidemic effects of various ethyl 5-substituted benzofuran-, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-, and 3(2H)-benzofuranone-2-carboxylate analogs of clofibrate in a triton hyperlipidemic rat model.

The antilipidemic properties of certain benzofuran-, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-, and 3(2H)-benzofuranone-2-carboxylate analogs of clofibrate in a hyperlipidemic rat model are described. The hyperlipidemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339. The results were analyzed in light of structural modifications as well as the lipid solubility of substituted compounds as assessed by a consideration of calculated log P values. Comparisons are made between the activity of these compounds and the activity of related cyclic analogs previously reported. Among the various compounds tested, only the 5-C1 and phenylsybstituted dihydrobenzofurans were selective against elevated serum cholesterol levels in this animal model. The data presented support the hypothesis that the cholesterol and triglyceride lowering activity of clofibrate related analogs in this animal model may be separated through a consideration of log P, conformational, and electronic changes. The proposal is advanced that relatively minor structural modification of clofibrate related analogs may lead to compounds which are not only selective in the Triton model but also to compounds which are likely to exert their effects by differing modes of action.