Stilbene analogs as inducers of apolipoprotein-I transcription.

Based on the naturally occurring stilbene, Resveratrol, a series of novel stilbene derivatives were synthesized, which have the ability to induce the expression of the ApoA-I gene. Several compounds equally or more potent than Resveratrol were identified. trans-4,4′-Dihydroxy-2-methoxystilbene was the most potent (4.6× more potent than Resveratrol). These compounds provide an early lead into new drugs to treat atherosclerosis.