A novel thromboxane receptor antagonist and synthase inhibitor, BM-573, reduces development and progression of atherosclerosis in LDL receptor deficient mice

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vasculature influenced by a variety of mediators. Among them, prostanoids, which include prostacyclin and thromboxane (Tx) A2, have recently received a lot of attention. Previous studies demonstrated that antagonism or deletion of the receptor for TxA2 retards early atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, but no data are available in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor deficient mice. In our study, we tested the effect of a novel TxA2 receptor (TP) antagonist and synthase inhibitor, BM-573, on atherosclerosis development and progression in LDL receptor deficient mice. To this end, the effect of 12 weeks treatment with BM-573 on early or established aortic atherosclerotic lesions of these mice was assessed. In both treatments, while BM-573 did not affect body weight, systolic blood pressure, total plasma cholesterol or triglycerides levels, it partially reduced TxA2 but did not affect prostacyclin biosynthesis. Moreover, BM-573 significantly decreased early atherogenesis and prevented progression of established atherosclerotic lesions. These results show for the first time that this dual Tx inhibitor is effective in reducing atherogenesis in the LDL receptor deficient mice. They also demonstrate the novel concept that this therapeutic approach halts the progression of the disease and influences the cellular composition of the atherosclerotic plaques.