We previously reported that glycoxidized low-density lipoprotein (glycoxidized LDL) enhanced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression through activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Here we investigated the effects of dilazep, an anti-platelet agent, and fenofibric acid, an active metabolite of fenofibrate, on glycoxidized low-density lipoprotein-(LDL)-enhanced MCP-1 mRNA expression. Both 10 microg/ml dilazep and 100 microM fenofibric acid abrogated MCP-1 mRNA expression. ZM241385, an A2a adenosine receptor antagonist, partially inhibited the suppressive effect of dilazep. NF-kappaB activity was also suppressed by 1 microg/ml dilazep and 10 microM fenofibric acid. The antioxidative activity of these drugs on glycation to native LDL or oxidation to glycated LDL was measured using lipid peroxidation and lyso-phosphatidylcholine contents in LDL. Dilazep but not fenofibric acid exhibited antioxidative activity. Although the mechanisms of anti-atherogenic effects of the two drugs on glycoxidized LDL are different, both dilazep and fenofibric acid could potentially prevent atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus.