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AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsMonty Krieger, Anne Braun-Egles, Helena E. Miettinen
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Using an animal model, transgenic animals that do not express functional SR-BI and apoE which develop severe atherosclerosis, by age four weeks in transgenic mice, a class of drugs, PROBUCOL (4,4′-(isopropylidenedithio) bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol)) and monoesters of PROBUCOL, and BO 653, 2,3-Dihydro-5-hydroxy-2,2-dipentyl-4,6-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran, has been discovered which is useful in normalizing abnormal lipoprotein levels and/or characteristics, such as those found in lipoprotein X-associated disease. These animals are good models for screening of drugs useful in the treatment and/or prevention of cardiac fibrosis, myocardial infarction, defects in electrical conductance, atherosclerosis, unstable plaque, and stroke, as well as for lipoprotein disorders such as cholestasis and lipoprotein X associated disorders. Studies demonstrate normalization of lipoprotein levels and structure, as well as significant decreases in atherosclerosis and prevention of heart attack, even when administered after disease onset.
A method for treating or preventing a disorder or disease characterized by abnormal lipoprotein or cholesterol metabolism comprising administering to an individual in need thereof a compound selected from the group consisting of 4,4′-(isopropylidenedithio) bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), monoesters and other derivatives thereof, 2,3-Dihydro-5-hydroxy-2,2-dipentyl-4,6-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran or a derivative thereof, vitamin E and vitamin C, wherein the compound is administered in an amount effective to decrease lipoprotein levels or normalize lipoprotein structure or reduce abnormal cholesterol metabolism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.