SR-12813 lowers plasma cholesterol in beagle dogs by decreasing cholesterol biosynthesis

SR-12813 inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in Hep G2 cells via an enhanced degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Here we also show that SR-12813 inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in vivo. A sterol balance study was performed in normolipemic beagle dogs. The dogs were given SR-12813 orally at dosages of 10 and 25 mg/kg/day for a period of 9 days. After 7 days plasma cholesterol was decreased by 15% in the 10 mg/kg/day group and by 19% in the 25 mg/kg/day group. Using a dual isotope technique no effects on intestinal cholesterol absorption were observed. The sterol balance indicated that endogenous synthesis of cholesterol was reduced by 23% in the 10 mg/kg/day group and by 37% in the 25 mg/kg/day group. Plasma lathosterol–cholesterol levels in dogs treated with 25 mg/kg/day SR-12813 were reduced by 56%, confirming a reduction of the cholesterol biosynthesis. Treatment with SR-12813 or the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin resulted in a large decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It is concluded that SR-12813 reduces cholesterol biosynthesis in the dog model which results in a decrease of bile acid excretion, cholesterol excretion and plasma cholesterol level. The in vivo profile of SR-12813 is very similar to that of direct HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, although the mode of action of the compound is unique.