Abstract: The present invention provides methods of selectively inhibiting the binding of one ligand for LOX-1, but not one other ligand for LOX-1. Moreover, the invention relates to the identification of binding partners that act in a selective manner to inhibit the binding of one ligand to LOX-1, but not one other ligand for LOX-1, and methods of identifying such binding partners. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the binding partners for LOX-1, in particular, anti-LOX-1 antibodies or fragments thereof, are also provided in the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are certain methods of treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with farnesoid X receptor agonists. Also provided are certain methods of modulating levels of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cytokeratin 18 (CK-18), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), and Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1); certain methods of identifying FXR modulators; and certain methods of treating patients with existing cholesterol gallstone disease.

Abstract: An animal model of coronary heart disease has been developed where myocardial infarct can be induced by altering the animal's diet. In all embodiments, this animal model is a result of reduced activity of scavenger receptor class BI (SR-BI) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). In a preferred embodiment, the model is a result of crossbreeding two transgenic mouse lines: a knockout of SR-BI (SR-BI?/?) and an impaired ApoE expressor (hypoE). The impaired ApoE gene results in only 2-5% expression of ApoE and a reduction in cholesterol homeostasis. Resulting animals are predisposed to hypercholesterolemia but can live longer than a year on a normal low fat diet. Serum plasma levels can be significantly elevated by changing the animal's diet to one containing high levels of fat and cholesterol. Within a month on a high fat, high cholesterol diet, animals develop atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction occurs.

Abstract: Provided are certain methods of treating at least one disease state characterized by elevated expression of the Lectin-like Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor 1 (LOX-1) in a patient with farnesoid X receptor agonists. Also provided are certain methods of reducing expression of LOX-1 in a cell with farnesoid X receptor agonists.

Abstract: An animal model of coronary heart disease has been developed where myocardial infarct can be induced by altering the animal's diet. In all embodiments, this animal model is a result of reduced activity of scavenger receptor class BI (SR-BI) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). In a preferred embodiment, the model is a result of crossbreeding two transgenic mouse lines: a knockout of SR-BI (SR-BI?/?) and an impaired ApoE expressor (hypoE). The impaired ApoE gene results in only 2-5% expression of ApoE and a reduction in cholesterol homeostasis. Resulting animals are predisposed to hypercholesterolemia but can live longer than a year on a normal low fat diet. Serum plasma levels can be significantly elevated by changing the animal's diet to one containing high levels of fat and cholesterol. Within a month on a high fat, high cholesterol diet, animals develop atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction occurs.