Ezetimibe (Synonyms: Ezetrol, SCH 58235)

Ezetimibe is a potent and novel inhibitor of cholesterol absorption [1].

Cholesterol is a lipid molecule and is required to build and maintain membranes structural integrity and fluidity. Also, it serves as a precursor of vitamin D, bile acids and steroid hormones.

In differentiated Caco-2 cells incubated with a carotenoid (1 μM), ezetimibe (10 mg/L) inhibited carotenoid transport with 50% inhibition for ɑ-carotene and β-carotene. Also, it inhibited the transport of β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein:zeaxanthin(1:1). At the same time, ezetimibe inhibited cholesterol transport by 31%. Ezetimibe decreased the expression of the surface receptors SR-BI, ATP binding cassette transporter, subfamily A (ABCA1), Niemann-Pick type C1 Like 1 protein (NPC1L1) and retinoid acid receptor (RAR)γ, sterol-regulatory element binding proteins SREBP-1 and SREBP-2, and liver X receptor (LXR)β [3].

In apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) mice, ezetimibe (3 mg/kg) inhibited cholesterol absorption by 90%. Ezetimibe reduced plasma cholesterol, increased HDL levels, and inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis [1]. In phase III human trials, Ezetimibe (10 mg) significantly reduced the levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides and increased the level of HDL cholesterol [2].

References:
[1].  Davis HR Jr, Compton DS, Hoos L, et al. Ezetimibe, a potent cholesterol absorption inhibitor, inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE knockout mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, 2001, 21(12): 2032-2038.
[2].  Clader JW. The discovery of ezetimibe: a view from outside the receptor. J Med Chem, 2004, 47(1): 1-9.
[3].  During A, Dawson HD, Harrison EH. Carotenoid transport is decreased and expression of the lipid transporters SR-BI, NPC1L1, and ABCA1 is downregulated in Caco-2 cells treated with ezetimibe. J Nutr, 2005, 135(10): 2305-2312.