ApoA-1 mimetic peptide reverses uremia-induced upregulation of pro-atherogenic pathways in the aorta.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This is primarily mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation and dyslipidemia. By mediating reverse cholesterol transport and exerting antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and ApoA-1 protect against atherosclerosis. Plasma Apo-1, HDL cholesterol and HDL antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities are reduced in CKD. ApoA-1 mimetic peptides associate with and enhance antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties of HDL. We hypothesized that long-term administration of ApoA-1 mimetic peptide, L4F, may ameliorate inflammation and oxidative stress in the conduit arteries in experimental CKD.
METHODS: After 5/6 nephrectomy, rats were randomized to L4F (5 mg/kg s.c. 3 times weekly for 4 weeks) and placebo-treated groups. Sham-operated rats served as controls.
RESULTS: The untreated CKD group exhibited marked lipid accumulation and upregulations of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits (gp91(phox), p22(phox), and p47(phox)), COX-2, 12-lipoxygenase, MCP-1, PAI-1, myeloperoxidase and iNOS, NFκB activation and nitrotyrosine accumulation in the thoracic aorta. L4F administration reversed or attenuated these abnormalities without altering renal function or plasma lipids.
CONCLUSIONS: CKD leads to lipid accumulation and upregulation of pro-atherogenic pathways in the artery wall. These abnormalities are attenuated by ApoA-1 mimetic peptide, pointing to its protective effect in CKD. Future studies are needed to explore the effect of these peptides in CKD patients.