8(R)-Hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (8R-HEPE) induces transcription of cholesterol efflux receptors via activation of liver X receptor in macrophages.

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. 8-Hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (8-HEPE) from North Pacific krill (Euphausia pacifica) is known to reduce plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and increase plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in LDL receptor knock-out mice fed a western diet. Moreover, 8-HEPE also reduces the area of aortic atherosclerosis in apoE knock-out mice fed the same diet. In this study, we examined the stereochemical-specific activity of 8-HEPE for inducing expression of cholesterol efflux receptors (Abca1 and Abcg1) in J774.1 cells. Our findings show 8R-HEPE induces the expression of Abca1 and Abcg1 via activation of liver X receptor, whereas 8S-HEPE elicits no such activity. These results suggest that 8R-HEPE derived from North Pacific krill may have beneficial effects against dyslipidemia.