Apolipoprotein A-I mimetics and high-density lipoprotein function.

To review recently published advances in the development of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) mimetic peptides as a potential treatment for cardiovascular diseases. Various apoA-I mimetic peptides are currently in development and these display potent cardioprotective features that can rival or even surpass those of full length apoA-I and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). These features include the ability to efflux cholesterol from various cell types as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Recent work has been aimed at identifying the structural features of these peptides that are responsible for these various functions and also for determining the operational mechanisms. There is also interesting new data suggesting that the intestine may be playing an important role in the action of these peptides. In the last year, there have been many important advances in the relatively new field of apoA-I mimetic therapy. These findings support a strong potential for their development as treatment for not only cardiovascular disease but other disease states involving chronic inflammation and oxidation as well.