Fibric acids, active forms of fibrate drugs and activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα), are also known for an HDL-raising effect. Fibric acids enhance fatty acid catabolism and accordingly reduce plasma lipid level, predominantly triglyceride (TG). Fenofibric acid increases the expression of ABCA1 and apoA-I–mediated HDL production. The effect on ABCA1 expression was through the enhancement of the transcription of the ABCA1 gene being dependent on LXR.
In vivo
Fenofibric acid attenuates aberrant increases of circulating EPC(Endothelial Progenitor Cells) in OIR mice. Inhibitory effect of Fenofibric acid on EPC mobilization in the OIR model is PPARα-dependent.Fenofibric acid Inhibits hypoxia-induced retinal EPC increase in a PPARα-dependent manner. Fenofibric acid decreases CXCR4-positive EPC in the circulation, downregulates the serum SDF-1 level and suppresses HIF-1a and SDF-1 overexpression in the retina.