| abstract |
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein the main meanings of the substituents are as follows: m, n and p are independently 0 or 1; A is -CO-, -CS-, -SO2 or a covalent bond; R1 is hydrogen, alkyl or alkenyl; R2 is hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl, or R1, R2 and A together with the adjacent nitrogen atom form a nitrogen-containing heterocycle; R3 is optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; R4 is hydrogen or optionally substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl; T is -O-, -SO- or NH-; X 1, X 2 and X 3 are independently -CR 6 or nitrogen, wherein R 6 is hydrogen or optionally substituted alkyl or cycloalkyl, with the proviso that X 1, X 2 and X 3 are at least nitrogen; Y1 is lower alkylene or orcarbonyl; Y2 is alkylene or oxygen and Z is sulfur, oxygen or -NH-. The compounds of the invention enhance cellular expression of the ABCA-1 gene, promote the outflow of cholesterol from the cells, and increase HDL levels in blood plasma in mammals, especially humans. The compounds can be used to treat coronary heart disease. HE |