Apolipoproteins as therapeutic agents

[pegasus10]

Hello, I was reading a scientific article which reported that oral administration of a mutated form of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA-I) to mice fed with a high cholesterol diet significantly lowers the rate of formation of atherosclerotic plaques. But I can't understand how this is possible. I mean, if mice are given the protein by mouth, it is digested into single amino acids, isn't it? So, how can it reduce plaque formation in the circulatory system if it is broken down by the digestive system?

Thanks in advance!

Edited February 4, 2019 by pegasus10

[CharonY]

The degradation is often incomplete and if fed sufficient amounts they can exert various actions. Note that for some of these actions the molecule may not have to be fully intact, either.