Abstract 12555: The Dual PPAR-α/γ Agonist Aleglitazar Enhances Arteriogenesis, Angiogenesis and Endothelial Function
Objective: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and -γ agonists modify lipid and glucose metabolism. The aim of the study was to characterize the effects of the dual PPAR-α/γ agonist aleglitazar on endothelial function, neoangiogenesis and arteriogenesis in mice and on human endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). Methods and Results: Male C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT, normal chow) and apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice on Western-type diet (WTD) were treated with aleglitazar (10 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle by daily injection. Hindlimb ischemia was induced by right femoral artery ligation (FAL). ApoE-/- mice on WTD treated with aleglitazar before FAL were characterized by an improvement of endothelial-dependent laser Doppler perfusion (right/left foot ratio 0.40±0.03) 1 week after FAL compared to controls (R/L foot ratio 0.24±0.01; p<0.001). Collateral-dependent perfusion measured under conditions of maximal vasodilatation 1 week after FAL using fluorescent microspheres was impaired in apoE-/- on WTD compared to WT mice (R/L leg ratio in WT 78±13 vs. apoE-/- 56±6; p<0.001) and was normalized by aleglitazar treatment. Neoangiogenesis was measured in-vivo by subcutaneously implanting discs covered with cell-impermeable filters. The vascularized area of the discs was quantified after 14 days by perfusion of the animals with space-filling fluorescent microspheres. Aleglitazar increased neoangiogenesis in WT mice by 178±18% compared to vehicle (p<0.05). Endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic rings was impaired in apoE-/- mice on WTD for 6 weeks (relaxation to 52±5% of max. contraction) compared to WT animals (relaxation to 18±5% of max. contraction) (p<0.001). Aleglitazar treatment improved endothelial function (relaxation to 39±5% of max. contraction; p<0.05). In parallel, number and function of EPC were improved in mice. Studies in human EPC showed that 1) aleglitazar’s effects were mediated by both PPAR-α and -γ signalling and Akt and 2) migration and colony forming units were up-regulated by aleglitazar in cultivated EPC from CAD patients. Conclusion: The study provides evidence for beneficial effects of the dual PPAR-α/γ agonist aleglitazar on vascular function in addition to or mediated by its metabolic actions.