BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Suppression of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) 
activity leads to reduction of obesity, fatty liver as well as of insulin 
resistance. It was, however, recently reported to enhance atherogenesis. The aim 
of the present study was to investigate whether inhibition of SCD by Aramchol, a 
fatty acid bile conjugate with known hypocholesterolemic effects, will affect 
atherogenesis and how.
METHODS: Aramchol was tested in vitro in cultured cells and in vivo in rodents.
RESULTS: Aramchol, at very low concentrations, reduced SCD activity in liver 
microsomes of mice. Aramchol enhanced cholesterol efflux from macrophages more 
than twofold. In vivo it increased fecal sterol output and decreased markedly 
plasma cholesterol levels in mice. In ApoE(-/-), LDRL(-/-) and C57Bl6 mice, the 
effects of Aramchol on atherogenesis were non-atherogenic.
CONCLUSIONS: Aramchol reduces SCD activity and is non-atherogenic. It may offer 
a means to obtain the desirable hepatic metabolic effects of SCD inhibition 
without the deleterious atherogenic effect.