The present invention relates to methods for elevating high density lipoprotein
(HDL) plasma levels, decreasing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestine,
decreasing the plasma level of low density lipoprotein (LDL), and increasing the
conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, utilizing LXR selective agonists,
usually without elevating the plasma levels of triglycerides. Also provided are
methods of using such agonists to treat metabolic diseases alone or in combination
with other active agents. Also provided are methods for decreasing hyperglycemia
and insulin resistance methods for treating type II diabetes, and methods for treating
type II diabetes and reducing the cardiovascular complications of type II diabetes,
utilizing an LXR agonist. Further provided are methods for treating obesity and
methods for treating the complications of obesity including type II diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, administering an LXR-selective antagonist.
