Fish oil and indomethacin in combination potently reduce dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in LDLR(-/-) mice

J Lipid Res. 2012 Oct;53(10):2186-2197. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M029843. Epub 2012 Jul 29.

Abstract

Fish oil (FO) is a potent anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering agent. Because inflammation can modulate lipid metabolism and vice versa, we hypothesized that combining FO with cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COXIBs), well-known anti-inflammatory drugs, can enhance the anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effect of FO. LDLR(-/-) mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 6% olive oil or FO for 12 wk in the presence or absence of indomethacin (Indo, 6 mg/l drinking water). FO reduced plasma total cholesterol by 30% but, in combination with Indo, exerted a greater decrease (44%). The reduction of liver cholesterol ester (CE) and triglycerides (TG) by FO (63% and 41%, respectively) was enhanced by Indo (80% in CE and 64% in TG). FO + Indo greatly increased the expression of genes modulating lipid metabolism and reduced the expression of inflammatory genes compared with control. The mRNA and/or protein expression of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and cytochrome P450 isoforms that alter inflammation and/or lipid metabolism are increased to a greater extent in mice that received FO + Indo. Moroever, the nuclear level of PXR is significantly increased in FO + Indo group. Combining FO with COXIBs may exert their beneficial effects on inflammation and lipid metabolism via PXR and cytochrome P450.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / genetics
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy
  • Dyslipidemias / metabolism*
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fish Oils / pharmacology*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Indomethacin / pharmacology*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Mice
  • Pregnane X Receptor
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, LDL / genetics*
  • Receptors, LDL / metabolism
  • Receptors, Steroid / genetics
  • Receptors, Steroid / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Fish Oils
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Pregnane X Receptor
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, LDL
  • Receptors, Steroid
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Indomethacin