Antiatherosclerotic properties of 4-(2,6-dimethylheptyl)-and 4-(2,6,10-trimethylundecyl)benzoic acids and their amides

Abstract

Two amides with polyol-rich moieties and two other analogs with N-(b-aminoethyl)amide groups, all derived from 4-(2,6-dimethylheptyl)benzoic acid (I), and two polyol amides derived from 4-(2,6,10)-trimetylundecyl)benzoic acid (II) were synthesized and tested for antiatherosclerotic activity in vitro. None of the amides prevented excessive accumulation of cholesterol in the culture of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) raised from human aorta sclerotic plaque, although polyol amides from acid I inhibited protein synthesis in this cell culture. In human liver homogenates (HLHs) all amides derived from acid I accelerated the human cholesterol esterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of cholesteryl palmitate. Acid I displayed antiatherosclerotic effects in both SMC and HLH assays, while acid II and its amides were ineffective in either of these test systems.