Liver-specific Lxr inhibition represses reverse cholesterol transport in cholesterol-fed mice

Background and aims High density lipoprotein (HDL) exerts an anti-atherosclerotic effect via reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Several phases of RCT are transcriptionally controlled by Liver X receptors (Lxrs). Although macrophage Lxrs reportedly promote RCT, it is still uncertain whether hepatic Lxrs affect RCT in vivo. Methods To inhibit Lxr-dependent pathways in mouse livers, we performed hepatic overexpression of sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1 (Sult2b1) using adenoviral vector (Ad-Sult2b1). Ad-Sult2b1 or the control virus was intravenously injected into wild type mice and Lxrα/β double knockout mice, under a normal or high-cholesterol diet. A macrophage RCT assay and an HDL kinetic study were performed. Results Hepatic Sult2b1 overexpression resulted in reduced expression of Lxr-target genes - ATP-binding cassette transporter G5/G8, cholesterol 7α hydroxylase and Lxrα itself - respectively reducing or increasing cholesterol levels in HDL and apolipoprotein B–containing lipoproteins (apoB-L). A macrophage RCT assay revealed that Sult2b1 overexpression inhibited fecal excretion of macrophage-derived 3H-cholesterol only under a high-cholesterol diet. In an HDL kinetic study, Ad-Sult2b1 promoted catabolism/hepatic uptake of HDL-derived cholesterol, thereby reducing fecal excretion. Finally, in Lxrα/β double knockout mice, hepatic Sult2b1 overexpression increased apoB-L levels, but there were no differences in HDL levels or RCT compared to the control, indicating that Sult2b1-mediated effects on HDL/RCT and apoB-L were distinct: the former was Lxr-dependent, but not the latter. Conclusions Hepatic Lxr inhibition negatively regulates circulating HDL levels and RCT by reducing Lxr-target gene expression.