Naroparcil, β-D Xyloside Analog, Limits Intimal Hyperplasi After Arterial Injury

Inhibition of proteoglycan (P) synthesis by β-D xylosides (Xyl) is associated with growth inhibition in several cultured vascular cell lines. We examined the effects of naroparcil (an orally active Xyl) on intimal hyperplasi induced by balloon iliac injury in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. 36 rabbits fed cholesterol-enriched diet were randomly assigned to either placebo or 300 mg/kg naroparcil. After 14 days, iliac injury was induced by bilateral endothelial abrasion using 4F latex balloon. Eight weeks later, serum cholesterol levels did not differ between groups. Quantitative angiography as well as quantitative histomorphometry, with immunostaining of smooth muscle cells (HHF-35), macrophages (RAM-11) and proteoglycans (PG-6S) were performed. Results are (mean ± SD): There was no difference in immunostaining of the intima. In this model, treatment with naroparcil resulted in decreased intimal thickening and preserved vascular lumen. The mechanism of this effect is probably not linked to PG metabolism but to medial preservation.