AIM: To explore the effect of lysophosphatidylcholine(LPC) on cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells, and to offer experimental evidence for research on prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.METHODS: Peritoneal macrophages and LDL were seperated from mice and serum of healthy volunteers, respectively. The foam cells were derived from macrophages in the presence of Acylated LDL (AcLDL). Cholesterol efflux from cells and LDH activity were measured by enzymetic fluorometry and LDH kit, respectively.RESULTS: After incubated with LPC for 24 hours, cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells increased significantly compared to control, and cellular cholesterol was lower than that in control group. At the same time, medium LDH activity of LPC group was not increased obviously. CONCLUSION: Within the dosage of 10-80 ?mol/L, LPC can promote cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect has nothing to do with cytotoxity of LPC.