Cholesterol uptake capacity of HDL in culture medium of fresh primary human hepatocytes: an in vitro system for screening anti-atherosclerosis drugs focused on HDL functions

The CUC of HDL in the culture medium of PXB-cells LA was measured using the automated immunoassay system HI-1000. Adding EPA to the culture medium did not alter albumin or hepatic triglyceride lipase levels, confirming no significant EPA-induced damage to the hepatocytes. However, as reported for CEC, EPA significantly increased the CUC in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting the potential of EPA as a therapeutic candidate for patients with low CUC. Thus, the proposed assay system could be used for in vitro drug screening that improves HDL functionality.