Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase and apolipoprotein A-I are important for the pharmacological effects of metformin in mice.

Aim: Biogenesis of apolipoprotein A1 (apoa1)-containing high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles in mice involves the lipid transporters ATP-binding cassette A1 (Abca1) and G1 (Abcg1), plasma enzyme Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyl Transferase (Lcat) and lipid-free apolipoprotein A1 (apoa1). HDL was brought under the spotlight due its importance in atheroprotection, though more recent findings propose a multifunctional role of HDL including that of regulating plasma glucose homeostasis. Here we investigated the potential effects of Lcat and apoa1 deficiency on the pharmacological effects of metformin.