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

The article focuses on the stereochemical-specific effects of 8 (R)-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (8R-HEPE), a compound derived from North Pacific krill (Euphausia pacifica), in inducing the expression of cholesterol efflux receptors ABCA1 and ABCG1 in macrophages via activation of the liver X receptor (LXR). The study demonstrates that 8R-HEPE, but not its stereoisomer 8S-HEPE or related fatty acids like EPA, significantly increases ABCA1 and ABCG1 gene and protein expression in murine J774.1 macrophage cells, with this induction being dependent on LXR activation. These findings provide a molecular basis for previous observations that 8R-HEPE reduces plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and decreases aortic atherosclerosis in mouse models of dyslipidemia. The research suggests potential therapeutic benefits of 8R-HEPE against dyslipidemia, although further studies, including clinical trials, are needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.