In the double CD36-ApoE knockout mice, plasma TG were significantly different in male and female mice, depending on the diet. In the present study we show that TG reduction was not affected by gender and genetic deletion. Alternatively, differences between a total disruption of the gene and a partial inhibition of the CD36 function with an IP administration of an inhibitor can be expected. For instance, CD36 expression in mice liver is low but the partial inhibitory activity of an administrated antagonist may be sufficient to reduce hepatic TG secretion. The published observation that heterozygotes with partial CD36 deficiency have reduced plasma TG is in agreement with our findings and supports this possibility. Increased plasma levels of TG and atherosclerosis are generally associated with impaired insulin action and glucose tolerance. Epidemiologic studies have implicated insulin resistance in both ABT-578 diabetes and coronary atherosclerosis. ICG-001 Diabetic patients have areas of lipid rich plaques with greater macrophage infiltration and many of the processes that are implicated in plaque progression are amplified by the diabetic parameters. But, the molecular links between diabetes and atherosclerosis are still missing. Glycaemia alone stimulates macrophage accumulation but fails to promote macrophage proliferation at sites of lesions. Defective insulin signaling is associated with the expression of CD36 and is enhanced via a CD36-dependent pathway. Increased CD36 expression has been shown to contribute to dyslipidemia and to be associated with insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance, suggesting that CD36 is involved in the physiopathology of insulin sensitivity. The present study supports this concept and shows that administration of small inhibitors of the CD36 functions improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in rodent animals. This activity was not animal model dependent and was not affected by genetic modifications. Therefore, anti-CD36 therapy may be beneficial to both atherogenic dyslipidemia and diabetes type2. CD36 is expressed in both human and rat enterocytes and has been shown to be involved in the control of intestinal cholesterol and fatty acid uptake and secretion. CD36 is expressed in the small intestine and plays an important r
