Protective effects of phenethyl isothiocyanate on foam cell formation by combined treatment of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and lipopolysaccharide in THP-1 macrophage

p-Coumaric acid modulates cholesterol efflux and lipid accumulation and inflammation in foam cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of cardiovascular disease associated with inflammation and lipid metabolism disorders. The accumulation of cholesterol-containing macrophage foam cells characterizes the early stages. The p-coumaric acid (p-CA) contained in vegetables may have various physiological activities. The inhibitory effect of p-CA on foam cell creation in THP-1 macrophages needs clarification. In this study, we explored the impact of p-CA on foam cells by co-treatment with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), mimicking the development of atherosclerosis in vitro and studied the regulation of its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS/METHODS

THP-1 cells differentiated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1 μM) for 48 h and treated in the absence or presence of p-CA for 48 h. THP-1 macrophages were treated with combined ox-LDL (20 μg/mL) and LPS (500 ng/mL) for 24 h. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assays detected cell viability. Oil red O staining allowed us to observe lipid accumulation. Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reactions quantified corresponding proteins and mRNA.

RESULTS

Ox-LDL and LPS for 24 h enhanced the lipid accumulation using Oil red O in treated foam cells. By contrast, p-CA treatment inhibited lipid accumulation. p-CA significantly upregulated cholesterol efflux-related genes such as ATP binding cassette transporter A1, liver-X-receptor α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression. Moreover, p-CA decreased lipid accumulation-related gene such as lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1, cluster of differentiation 36 and scavenger receptor class A1 expression. Combined ox-LDL and LPS increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin [IL]-6) activation and expression compared with untreated. p-CA suppressed this increased expression of NF-κB and COX-2, TNF-α and IL-6.

CONCLUSION

p-CA may play a vital role in atherosclerosis inhibition and protective effects by suppressing lipid accumulation and foam cell creation by increasing cholesterol efflux and can be potential agents for preventing atherosclerosis.

Isothiocyanates in medicine: A comprehensive review on phenylethyl-, allyl-, and benzyl-isothiocyanates

In recent years, isothiocyanates (ITCs), bioactive compounds primarily derived from Brassicaceae vegetables and herbs, have gained significant attention within the biomedical field due to their versatile biological effects. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the therapeutic potential and individual biological mechanisms of the three specific ITCs phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), as well as their collective impact within the formulation of ANGOCIN® Anti-Infekt N (Angocin). Angocin comprises horseradish root (Armoracia rusticanae radix, 80 mg) and nasturtium (Tropaeoli majoris herba, 200 mg) and is authorized for treating inflammatory diseases affecting the respiratory and urinary tract. The antimicrobial efficacy of this substance has been confirmed both in vitro and in various clinical trials, with its primary effectiveness attributed to ITCs. PEITC, AITC, and BITC exhibit a wide array of health benefits, including potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, along with noteworthy anticancer potentials. Moreover, we highlight their ability to modulate critical biochemical pathways, such as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways, shedding light on their involvement in cellular apoptosis and their intricate role to guide immune responses.

Sulforaphane Inhibits Foam Cell Formation and Atherosclerosis via Mechanisms Involving the Modulation of Macrophage Cholesterol Transport and the Related Phenotype

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate, is one of the major dietary phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables. Many studies suggest that SFN can protect against cancer and cardiometabolic diseases. Despite the proposed systemic and local vascular protective mechanisms, SFN's potential to inhibit atherogenesis by targeting macrophages remains unknown. In this study, in high fat diet fed ApoE-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice, oral SFN treatment improved dyslipidemia and inhibited atherosclerotic plaque formation and the unstable phenotype, as demonstrated by reductions in the lesion areas in both the aortic sinus and whole aorta, percentages of necrotic cores, vascular macrophage infiltration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In THP-1-derived macrophages, preadministration SFN alleviated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury. Moreover, a functional study revealed that peritoneal macrophages isolated from SFN-treated mice exhibited attenuated cholesterol influx and enhanced apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-mediated cholesterol efflux. Mechanistic analysis revealed that SFN supplementation induced both intralesional and intraperitoneal macrophage phenotypic switching toward high expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and ATP-binding cassette subfamily A/G member 1 (ABCA1/G1) and low expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), which was further validated by the aortic protein expression. These results suggest that the regulation of macrophages' cholesterol transport and accumulation may be mainly responsible for SFN's potential atheroprotective properties, and the regulatory mechanisms might involve upregulating ABCA1/G1 and downregulating CD36 via the modulation of PPARγ and Nrf2.

Role of polyphenolic compounds and their nanoformulations: a comprehensive review on cross-talk between chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects a huge portion of the world's population and frequently leads to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It might be because of common risk factors between chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. Renal dysfunction caused by chronic kidney disease creates oxidative stress which in turn leads to cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress causes endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in heart which results in atherosclerosis. It ends in clogging of veins and arteries that causes cardiac stroke and myocardial infarction. To develop an innovative therapeutic approach and new drugs to treat these diseases, it is important to understand the pathophysiological mechanism behind the CKD and CVDs and their interrelationship. Natural phytoconstituents of plants such as polyphenolic compounds are well known for their medicinal value. Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites with immense antioxidant properties, which can protect from free radical damage. Nowadays, polyphenols are generating a lot of buzz in the scientific community because of their potential health benefits especially in the case of heart and kidney diseases. This review provides a detailed account of the pathophysiological link between CKD and CVDs and the pharmacological potential of polyphenols and their nanoformulations in promoting cardiovascular and renal health.

Sulfur compounds: From plants to humans and their role in chronic disease prevention

Sulfur is essential for the health of plants and is an indispensable dietary component for human health and disease prevention. Its incorporation into our food supply is heavily reliant upon the uptake of sulfur into plant tissue and our subsequent intake. Dietary requirements for sulfur are largely calculated based upon requirements for the sulfur-containing amino acids (SAA), cysteine and methionine, to meet the demands for synthesis of proteins, enzymes, co-enzymes, vitamins, and hormones. SAA are found in abundance in animal sources and are relatively low in plants. However, some plants, particularly cruciferous and allium vegetables, produce many protective sulfur-containing secondary metabolites, such as glucosinolates and cysteine sulfoxides. The variety and quantity of these sulfur-containing metabolites are extensive and their effects on human health are wide-reaching. Many benefits appear to be related to sulfur's role in redox biochemistry, protecting against uncontrolled oxidative stress and inflammation; features consistent within cardiometabolic dysfunction and many chronic metabolic diseases of aging. This narrative explores the origins and importance of sulfur, its incorporation into our food supply and dietary sources. It also explores the overarching potential of sulfur for human health, particularly around the amelioration of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, and subsequent chronic disease prevention.

Relationship between subclasses low-density lipoprotein and carotid plaque

Backgound

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can lead to the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques, but patients with normal LDL still have atherosclerotic plaques in clinical practice. With the proposal of LDL subclass, this experiment investigated the relationship between the LDL content of different subclasses and the stability of carotid plaques.

Methods

Plaque stability was suggested by carotid ultrasound results. 37 patients with stable plaques were classified into one group and 41 patients with unstable plaques were classified into another group. The data of age, glycosylated hemoglobin (Ghb), and homocysteine (Hcy) were collected. The contents of LDL subclasses were measured by LIPOPRINT system. The data of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) were collected. The plaque stability was assessed by carotid artery color Doppler ultrasound and the intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured.

Results

The levels of LDL-1 subclass 19.00 (13.00, 27.50) and LDL-2 subclass (21.62 ± 7.24) in the stable plaque group were higher than those in the unstable plaque group (p < 0.05). The levels of LDL-3 subclass (12.24 ± 4.58), LDL-4 subclass 5.00 (2.00, 9.00), and sd-LDL 0 (0.00, 3.00) in the unstable plaque group were higher than those in the stable plaque group (p < 0.05). LDL-1 subclass (adjusted OR = 0.923 and p < 0.05), and LDL-3 subclass (adjusted OR = 1.176 and p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for plaque stability.

Conclusion

Elevated LDL1 is associated with stable plaques whereas LDL3 was found associated with unstable plaques.

Beneficial Health Effects of Glucosinolates-Derived Isothiocyanates on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are illnesses that affect the nervous system and heart, all of which are vital to the human body. To maintain health of the human body, vegetable diets serve as a preventive approach and particularly Brassica vegetables have been associated with lower risks of chronic diseases, especially NDDs and CVDs. Interestingly, glucosinolates (GLs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs) are phytochemicals that are mostly found in the Cruciferae family and they have been largely documented as antioxidants contributing to both cardio- and neuroprotective effects. The hydrolytic breakdown of GLs into ITCs such as sulforaphane (SFN), phenylethyl ITC (PEITC), moringin (MG), erucin (ER), and allyl ITC (AITC) has been recognized to exert significant effects with regards to cardio- and neuroprotection. From past in vivo and/or in vitro studies, those phytochemicals have displayed the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of reactive oxidation species (ROS), inflammation, and apoptosis, which are the primary causes of CVDs and NDDs. This review focuses on the protective effects of those GL-derived ITCs, featuring their beneficial effects and the mechanisms behind those effects in CVDs and NDDs.