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Lu F, Li E, Yang X. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 deficiency in extrahepatic tissues: emerging considerations. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1413123. [PMID: 39139638 PMCID: PMC11319175 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1413123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is primarily secreted by hepatocytes. PCSK9 is critical in liver low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) metabolism. In addition to its hepatocellular presence, PCSK9 has also been detected in cardiac, cerebral, islet, renal, adipose, and other tissues. Once perceived primarily as a "harmful factor," PCSK9 has been a focal point for the targeted inhibition of both systemic circulation and localized tissues to treat diseases. However, PCSK9 also contributes to the maintenance of normal physiological functions in numerous extrahepatic tissues, encompassing both LDLR-dependent and -independent pathways. Consequently, PCSK9 deficiency may harm extrahepatic tissues in close association with several pathophysiological processes, such as lipid accumulation, mitochondrial impairment, insulin resistance, and abnormal neural differentiation. This review encapsulates the beneficial effects of PCSK9 on the physiological processes and potential disorders arising from PCSK9 deficiency in extrahepatic tissues. This review also provides a comprehensive analysis of the disparities between experimental and clinical research findings regarding the potential harm associated with PCSK9 deficiency. The aim is to improve the current understanding of the diverse effects of PCSK9 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyuan Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - En Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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2
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Liu SS, Yu T, Qiao YF, Gu SX, Chai XL. Research on Hepatocyte Regulation of PCSK9-LDLR and Its Related Drug Targets. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:664-672. [PMID: 36913119 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of hyperlipidemia has increased significantly due to genetic, dietary, nutritional and pharmacological factors, and has become one of the most common pathological conditions in humans. Hyperlipidemia can lead to a range of diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, diabetes, and kidney failure, etc. High circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the causes of hyperlipidemia. LDL-C in the blood binds to LDL receptor (LDLR) and regulates cholesterol homeostasis through endocytosis. In contrast, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mediates LDLR degradation via the intracellular and extracellular pathways, leading to hyperlipidemia. Targeting PCSK9-synthesizing transcription factors and downstream molecules are important for development of new lipid-lowering drugs. Clinical trials regarding PCSK9 inhibitors have demonstrated a reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events. The purpose of this review was to explore the target and mechanism of intracellular and extracellular pathways in degradation of LDLR and related drugs by PCSK9 in order to open up a new pathway for the development of new lipid-lowering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Su Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Tong Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Yan-Fang Qiao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Shu-Xiao Gu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Xin-Lou Chai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China.
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3
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Huang YW, Luo F, Zhang M, Wang L, Meng W, Hu D, Yang J, Sheng J, Wang X. 20( S )-Protopanaxatriol Improves Atherosclerosis by Inhibiting Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Degradation in ApoE KO Mice. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2024; 84:45-57. [PMID: 38922585 PMCID: PMC11230660 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic progressive disease caused by various factors and causes various cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Reducing the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is the primary goal in preventing and treating AS. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a crucial role in regulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism. Panax notoginseng has potent lipid-reducing effects and protects against CVDs, and its saponins induce vascular dilatation, inhibit thrombus formation, and are used in treating CVDs. However, the anti-AS effect of the secondary metabolite, 20( S )-protopanaxatriol (20( S )-PPT), remains unclear. In this study, the anti-AS effect and molecular mechanism of 20( S )-PPT were investigated in vivo and in vitro by Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence staining, and other assays. The in vitro experiments revealed that 20( S )-PPT reduced the levels of PCSK9 in the supernatant of HepG2 cells, upregulated low-density lipoprotein receptor protein levels, promoted low-density lipoprotein uptake by HepG2 cells, and reduced PCSK9 mRNA transcription by upregulating the levels of forkhead box O3 protein and mRNA and decreasing the levels of HNF1α and SREBP2 protein and mRNA. The in vivo experiments revealed that 20( S )-PPT upregulated aortic α-smooth muscle actin expression, increased the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, and reduced aortic plaque formation induced by a high-cholesterol diet in ApoE -/- mice (high-cholesterol diet-fed group). Additionally, 20( S )-PPT reduced the aortic expression of CD68, reduced inflammation in the aortic root, and alleviated the hepatic lesions in the high-cholesterol diet-fed group. The study revealed that 20( S )-PPT inhibited low-density lipoprotein receptor degradation via PCSK9 to alleviate AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Fang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan, China
| | - Litian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - WenLuer Meng
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jinbo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Kunming, China; and
| | - Xuanjun Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medical and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Resource, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
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4
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Zhang D, Zhou Q, Yang X, Zhang Z, Wang D, Hu D, Huang Y, Sheng J, Wang X. Gallic Acid Can Promote Low-Density Lipoprotein Uptake in HepG2 Cells via Increasing Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Accumulation. Molecules 2024; 29:1999. [PMID: 38731489 PMCID: PMC11085419 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29091999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Gallic acid (GA) is a type of polyphenolic compound that can be found in a range of fruits, vegetables, and tea. Although it has been confirmed it improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is still unknown whether GA can improve the occurrence of NAFLD by increasing the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) accumulation and alleviating cholesterol metabolism disorders. Therefore, the present study explored the effect of GA on LDLR and its mechanism of action. The findings indicated that the increase in LDLR accumulation in HepG2 cells induced by GA was associated with the stimulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor-extracellular regulated protein kinase (EGFR-ERK1/2) signaling pathway. When the pathway was inhibited by EGFR mab cetuximab, it was observed that the activation of the EGFR-ERK1/2 signaling pathway induced by GA was also blocked. At the same time, the accumulation of LDLR protein and the uptake of LDL were also suppressed. Additionally, GA can also promote the accumulation of forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) and suppress the accumulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF1α), leading to the inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) mRNA expression and protein accumulation. This ultimately results in increased LDLR protein accumulation and enhanced uptake of LDL in cells. In summary, the present study revealed the potential mechanism of GA's role in ameliorating NAFLD, with a view of providing a theoretical basis for the dietary supplementation of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Zhang
- College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (D.Z.); (D.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (Q.Z.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.)
| | - Qixing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (Q.Z.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.)
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China;
| | - Xiangxuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (Q.Z.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.)
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China;
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (Q.Z.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.)
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China;
| | - Dongxue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (Q.Z.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.)
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China;
| | - Dandan Hu
- College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (D.Z.); (D.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (Q.Z.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.)
| | - Yewei Huang
- College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (D.Z.); (D.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (Q.Z.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (D.W.)
| | - Jun Sheng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China;
| | - Xuanjun Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Resource, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
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Kim HJ, Park SK, Park SH, Lee YG, Park JH, Hwang JT, Chung MY. Schisandrin A in Schisandra chinensis Upregulates the LDL Receptor by Inhibiting PCSK9 Protein Stabilization in Steatotic Model. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:425-435. [PMID: 37997262 PMCID: PMC10940739 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2306.06049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) protects against hypocholesterolemia by inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) protein stabilization. We hypothesized that the hypocholesterolemic activity of SCE can be attributable to upregulation of the PCSK9 inhibition-associated low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Male mice were fed a low-fat diet or a Western diet (WD) containing SCE at 1% for 12 weeks. WD increased final body weight and blood LDL cholesterol levels as well as alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase expression. However, SCE supplementation significantly attenuated the increase in blood markers caused by WD. SCE also attenuated WD-mediated increases in hepatic LDLR protein expression in the obese mice. In addition, SCE increased LDLR protein expression and attenuated cellular PCSK9 levels in HepG2 cells supplemented with delipidated serum (DLPS). Non-toxic concentrations of schisandrin A (SA), one of the active components of SCE, significantly increased LDLR expression and tended to decrease PCSK9 protein levels in DLPS-treated HepG2 cells. High levels of SA-mediated PCSK9 attenuation was not attributable to reduced PCSK9 gene expression, but was associated with free PCSK9 protein degradation in this cell model. Our findings show that PCSK9 secretion can be significantly reduced by SA treatment, contributing to reductions in free cholesterol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jin Kim
- Personalized Diet Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Kyeong Park
- Personalized Diet Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Park
- Personalized Diet Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Geon Lee
- Personalized Diet Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Park
- Personalized Diet Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Taek Hwang
- Personalized Diet Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Yu Chung
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Gangseo University, Seoul 07661, Republic of Korea
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6
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Lin B, Wan H, Yang J, Yu L, Zhou H, Wan H. Lipid regulation of protocatechualdehyde and hydroxysafflor yellow A via AMPK/SREBP2/PCSK9/LDLR signaling pathway in hyperlipidemic zebrafish. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24908. [PMID: 38333845 PMCID: PMC10850903 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The consumption of a high-cholesterol diet is known to cause hyperlipidemia, which is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Protocatechualdehyde (PCA) and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) are the active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza and safflower, respectively. However, their exact mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate its effects on lipid deposition and liver damage in hyperlipidemic zebrafish and its mechanism of anti-hyperlipidemia. The results showed that the use of PCA and HSYA alone and in combination can improve lipid deposition, slow behavior, abnormal blood flow and liver tissue damage, and the combined use is more effective. Further RT-qPCR results showed that PCA + HSYA can regulate the mRNA levels of PPAR-γ, SREBP2, SREBP1, HMGCR, PCSK9, mTOR, C/EBPα, LDLR, AMPK, HNF-1α and FoxO3a. The PCA + HSYA significantly improves lipid deposition and abnormal liver function in hyperlipidemic zebrafish larvae, which may be related to the AMPK/SREBP2/PCSK9/LDLR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingying Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haofang Wan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiehong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province (grant no. 2020E10012), Hangzhou, China
| | - Huifen Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province (grant no. 2020E10012), Hangzhou, China
| | - Haitong Wan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of TCM Encephalopathy of Zhejiang Province (grant no. 2020E10012), Hangzhou, China
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7
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Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Yu Y, Su S. Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth and induces cell apoptosis via activation of FOXO3A. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2023; 59:739-746. [PMID: 38038884 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-023-00830-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a bioactive component in tea, displays broad anti-cancer effects. Our study was designed to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of EGCG on ovarian cancer and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. To evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effects of EGCG against ovarian cancer, MTT assay, colony formation assay, apoptosis assay, and wound healing assay, were performed. Besides, the inhibitory effects of EGCG on tumor growth in the xenograft animal model were evaluated by measuring tumor volume and tumor weight. Moreover, Western blotting and qPCR were used to evaluate the levels of target genes and proteins. Treatment with EGCG inhibited cell migration and cell survival, and promoted cell apoptosis in A2780 and SKOV3 cells. Interestingly, treatment with EGCG inhibited the tumor growth in the xenograft animal model. The mechanistic study revealed that treatment with EGCG induced the activation of FOXO3A and suppressed the expression of c-Myc both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that EGCG suppress ovarian cancer cell growth, which may be due to its regulation on FOXO3A and c-Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Zibo Central Hospital, No. 54 Gongqingtuan West Road, Zibo, 255036, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Zibo Central Hospital, No. 54 Gongqingtuan West Road, Zibo, 255036, Shandong, China
| | - Yani Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Zibo Central Hospital, No. 54 Gongqingtuan West Road, Zibo, 255036, Shandong, China
| | - Shan Su
- Department of Gynecology, Zibo Central Hospital, No. 54 Gongqingtuan West Road, Zibo, 255036, Shandong, China.
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8
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Liao G, Liu W, Dai Y, Shi X, Liu Y, Li D, Xu T. Beneficial effects of flavonoids on animal models of atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. iScience 2023; 26:108337. [PMID: 38026172 PMCID: PMC10665821 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases that seriously endanger human health. The existing treatment drugs are effective, but they have some side effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that flavonoids have attracted wide attention due to their multiple cardioprotective effects and fewer side effects. PubMed, Web of Science database, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating the effects of flavonoids against atherosclerosis. 119 studies published from August 1954 to April 2023 were included. Random-effects models were performed for synthesis. Compared with the control group, flavonoids significantly reduced longitudinal and cross-sectional plaque area. The findings indicated that flavonoids significantly reduced the concentrations of serum TC, TG, and LDL-C and increased serum HDL-C concentrations. Besides, flavonoids reduced the levels of circulating pro-inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and increased the serum IL-10 level. This study provides evidence for the potential cardiovascular benefits of flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gege Liao
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wanlu Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yiming Dai
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiangxiang Shi
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dongye Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Tongda Xu
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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9
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Lu F, Li E, Yang X. The association between circulatory, local pancreatic PCSK9 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The effects of antidiabetic drugs on PCSK9. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19371. [PMID: 37809924 PMCID: PMC10558357 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a potent modulator of cholesterol metabolism and plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of pancreatic islets and the progression of diabetes. Islet autocrine PCSK9 deficiency can lead to the enrichment of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) and excessive LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) uptake, subsequently impairing the insulin secretion in β-cells. Circulatory PCSK9 levels are primarily attributed to hepatocyte secretion. Notably, anti-PCSK9 strategies proposed for individuals with hypercholesterolemia chiefly target liver-derived PCSK9; however, these anti-PCSK9 strategies have been associated with the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM). In the current review, we highlight a new direction in PCSK9 inhibition therapy strategies: screening candidates for anti-PCSK9 from the drugs used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment. We explored the association between circulating, local pancreatic PCSK9 and T2DM, as well as the relationship between PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies and NODM. We discussed the emergence of artificial and natural drugs in recent years, exhibiting dual benefits of antidiabetic activity and PCSK9 reduction, confirming that the diverse effects of these drugs may potentially impact the progression of diabetes and associated disorders, thereby introducing novel avenues and methodologies to enhance disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyuan Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - En Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450001, China
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10
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Witte K, Wolk K, Witte-Händel E, Krause T, Kokolakis G, Sabat R. Targeting Metabolic Syndrome in Hidradenitis Suppurativa by Phytochemicals as a Potential Complementary Therapeutic Strategy. Nutrients 2023; 15:3797. [PMID: 37686829 PMCID: PMC10490062 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the appearance of painful inflamed nodules, abscesses, and pus-draining sinus tracts in the intertriginous skin of the groins, buttocks, and perianal and axillary regions. Despite its high prevalence of ~0.4-1%, therapeutic options for HS are still limited. Over the past 10 years, it has become clear that HS is a systemic disease, associated with various comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its sequelae. Accordingly, the life expectancy of HS patients is significantly reduced. MetS, in particular, obesity, can support sustained inflammation and thereby exacerbate skin manifestations and the chronification of HS. However, MetS actually lacks necessary attention in HS therapy, underlining the high medical need for novel therapeutic options. This review directs attention towards the relevance of MetS in HS and evaluates the potential of phytomedical drug candidates to alleviate its components. It starts by describing key facts about HS, the specifics of metabolic alterations in HS patients, and mechanisms by which obesity may exacerbate HS skin alterations. Then, the results from the preclinical studies with phytochemicals on MetS parameters are evaluated and the outcomes of respective randomized controlled clinical trials in healthy people and patients without HS are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Witte
- Psoriasis Research and Treatment Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Group of Molecular Immunopathology, Dermatology/Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Inflammation and Regeneration of Skin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wolk
- Psoriasis Research and Treatment Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Group of Molecular Immunopathology, Dermatology/Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Inflammation and Regeneration of Skin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ellen Witte-Händel
- Psoriasis Research and Treatment Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Group of Molecular Immunopathology, Dermatology/Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Torben Krause
- Psoriasis Research and Treatment Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgios Kokolakis
- Psoriasis Research and Treatment Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Sabat
- Psoriasis Research and Treatment Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Group of Molecular Immunopathology, Dermatology/Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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11
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Platko K, Lebeau PF, Nederveen JP, Byun JH, MacDonald ME, Bourgeois JM, Tarnopolsky MA, Austin RC. A Metabolic Enhancer Protects against Diet-Induced Obesity and Liver Steatosis and Corrects a Pro-Atherogenic Serum Profile in Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102410. [PMID: 37242292 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) affects hundreds of millions of individuals and constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Obesity is believed to be at the core of metabolic abnormalities associated with MetS, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and vascular dysfunction. Although previous studies demonstrate a diverse array of naturally occurring antioxidants that attenuate several manifestations of MetS, little is known about the (i) combined effect of these compounds on hepatic health and (ii) molecular mechanisms responsible for their effect. METHODS We explored the impact of a metabolic enhancer (ME), consisting of 7 naturally occurring antioxidants and mitochondrial enhancing agents, on diet-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis and atherogenic serum profile in mice. RESULTS Here we show that a diet-based ME supplementation and exercise have similar beneficial effects on adiposity and hepatic steatosis in mice. Mechanistically, ME reduced hepatic ER stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation, thereby improving overall liver health. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ME improved HFD-induced pro-atherogenic serum profile in mice, similar to exercise. The protective effects of ME were reduced in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) knock out mice, suggesting that ME exerts it protective effect partly in a PCSK9-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that components of the ME have a positive, protective effect on obesity, hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular risk and that they show similar effects as exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khrystyna Platko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, McMaster University, and the Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Paul F Lebeau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, McMaster University, and the Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Joshua P Nederveen
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC), Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Jae Hyun Byun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, McMaster University, and the Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Melissa E MacDonald
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, McMaster University, and the Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Jacqueline M Bourgeois
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC), Hamilton, ON L8N 5Z5, Canada
| | - Mark A Tarnopolsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC), Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
- Exerkine Corporation, MUMC, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Richard C Austin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, McMaster University, and the Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
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12
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Qian Z, Zhao J. Silencing YY1 Alleviates Ox-LDL-Induced Inflammation and Lipid Accumulation in Macrophages through Regulation of PCSK9/ LDLR Signaling. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:1406-1415. [PMID: 36330745 PMCID: PMC9720084 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2207.07011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The formation of macrophage foam cells stimulated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is deemed an important cause of atherosclerosis. Transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1), which is a universally expressed multifunctional protein, is closely related to cell metabolism disorders such as lipid metabolism, sugar metabolism, and bile acid metabolism. However, whether YY1 is involved in macrophage inflammation and lipid accumulation still remains unknown. After mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells were induced by ox-LDL, YY1 and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expressions were found to be increased while low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression was lowly expressed. Subsequently, through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot analysis, Oil Red O staining and cholesterol quantification, it turned out that silencing of YY1 attenuated the inflammatory response and lipid accumulation in RAW264.7 cells caused by ox-LDL. Moreover, results from the JASPAR database, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis suggested that YY1 activated PCSK9 by binding to PCSK9 promoter and modulated the expression of LDLR in the downstream of PCSK9. In addition, the results of functional experiments demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of YY1 interference on ox-LDL-mediated macrophage inflammation and lipid accumulation were reversed by PCSK9 overexpression. To sum up, YY1 depletion inhibited its activation of PCSK9, thereby reducing cellular inflammatory response, cholesterol homeostasis imbalance, and lipid accumulation caused by ox-LDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyao Qian
- The Second Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Hospital, No.406, Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China,Corresponding author Phone: +86-22-60123231 E-mail:
| | - Jianping Zhao
- The Second Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Hospital, No.406, Jiefang South Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
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13
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Caracciolo D, Juli G, Riillo C, Coricello A, Vasile F, Pollastri S, Rocca R, Scionti F, Polerà N, Grillone K, Arbitrio M, Staropoli N, Caparello B, Britti D, Loprete G, Costa G, Di Martino MT, Alcaro S, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. Exploiting DNA Ligase III addiction of multiple myeloma by flavonoid Rhamnetin. Lab Invest 2022; 20:482. [PMID: 36273153 PMCID: PMC9588242 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background DNA ligases are crucial for DNA repair and cell replication since they catalyze the final steps in which DNA breaks are joined. DNA Ligase III (LIG3) exerts a pivotal role in Alternative-Non-Homologous End Joining Repair (Alt-NHEJ), an error-prone DNA repair pathway often up-regulated in genomically unstable cancer, such as Multiple Myeloma (MM). Based on the three-dimensional (3D) LIG3 structure, we performed a computational screening to identify LIG3-targeting natural compounds as potential candidates to counteract Alt-NHEJ activity in MM. Methods Virtual screening was conducted by interrogating the Phenol Explorer database. Validation of binding to LIG3 recombinant protein was performed by Saturation Transfer Difference (STD)—nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Cell viability was analyzed by Cell Titer-Glo assay; apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis following Annexin V-7AAD staining. Alt-NHEJ repair modulation was evaluated using plasmid re-joining assay and Cytoscan HD. DNA Damage Response protein levels were analyzed by Western blot of whole and fractionated protein extracts and immunofluorescence analysis. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number was determined by qPCR. In vivo activity was evaluated in NOD-SCID mice subcutaneously engrafted with MM cells. Results Here, we provide evidence that a natural flavonoid Rhamnetin (RHM), selected by a computational approach, counteracts LIG3 activity and killed Alt-NHEJ-dependent MM cells. Indeed, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) showed binding of RHM to LIG3 protein and functional experiments revealed that RHM interferes with LIG3-driven nuclear and mitochondrial DNA repair, leading to significant anti-MM activity in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Taken together, our findings provide proof of concept that RHM targets LIG3 addiction in MM and may represent therefore a novel promising anti-tumor natural agent to be investigated in an early clinical setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03705-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giada Juli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Adriana Coricello
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Magna Græcia University, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Sara Pollastri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Rocca
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Magna Græcia University, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Council (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Polerà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariamena Arbitrio
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Council (CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Basilio Caparello
- Presidio Ospedaliero Giovanni Paolo II Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Loprete
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Magna Græcia University, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Department of Health Science, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Magna Græcia University, Campus "Salvatore Venuta", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy. .,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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14
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Cholesterol-lowering activity of 10-gingerol in HepG2 cells is associated with enhancing LDL cholesterol uptake, cholesterol efflux and bile acid excretion. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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15
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Huang YW, Zhang M, Wang LT, Nie Y, Yang JB, Meng WL, Wang XJ, Sheng J. 20( S)-Protopanaxadiol decreases atherosclerosis in ApoE KO mice by increasing the levels of LDLR and inhibiting its binding with PCSK9. Food Funct 2022; 13:7020-7028. [PMID: 35723202 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo00392a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chinese medicinal and edible plants such as Panax notoginseng and ginseng are widely used for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). AS is the main pathological basis of cardiac-cerebral vascular disease, which seriously threatens human health and quality of life. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the main pathogenic factor of AS. The LDL receptor (LDLR) is an important protein that functions to mediate the uptake and degradation of plasma LDL. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) can mediate the internalization and degradation of LDLR. So, increasing the LDLR level by inhibiting PCSK9 is an important means of prevention and treatment of AS. In this study, by combining interaction technology (surface plasmon resonance, SPR) of small molecule compounds with membrane receptor proteins, cell experiments, and in vivo experiments, it is proved for the first time that 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), as a hydrolytic product of Panax notoginseng saponins in the intestinal tract, can bind to the extracellular domain of LDLR and inhibit the role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in mediating LDLR degradation. The results showed that PPD significantly reduced aortic plaques and hepatic steatosis in HFD-fed ApoE KO mice. LDLR protein levels were elevated in the liver tissues isolated from PPD-treated HFD-fed ApoE KO mice and PPD-treated HepG2 cells. Our findings demonstrated that PPD significantly increased LDLR levels and reduced AS in the HFD-fed ApoE KO mice on account of LDLR degradation being inhibited by PPD inhibiting the interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. .,College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. .,College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Li-Tian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. .,College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yan Nie
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. .,College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Jin-Bo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. .,College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Wen-Luer Meng
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. .,College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Xuan-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. .,College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Jun Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China. .,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
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16
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Waiz M, Alvi SS, Khan MS. Potential dual inhibitors of PCSK-9 and HMG-R from natural sources in cardiovascular risk management. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:47-76. [PMID: 35221836 PMCID: PMC8859648 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-4453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) stands amongst the leading causes of mortality worldwide and has attracted the attention of world's leading pharmaceutical companies in order to tackle such mortalities. The low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) is considered the most prominent biomarker for the assessment of ASCVD risk. Distinct inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-R), the chief hepatic cholesterogenic enzyme, are being used since last seven decades to manage hypercholesterolemia. On the other hand, discovery and the association of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK-9) with increased ASCVD risk have established PCSK-9 as a novel therapeutic target in cardiovascular medicine. PCSK-9 is well reckoned to facilitate the LDL-receptor (LDL-R) degradation and compromised LDL-C clearance leading to the arterial atherosclerotic plaque formation. The currently available HMG-R inhibitors (statins) and PCSK-9 inhibitors (siRNA, anti-sense oligonucleotides, and monoclonal antibodies) have shown great promises in achieving LDL-C lowering goals, however, their life long prescriptions have raised significant concerns. These deficits associated with the synthetic HMG-R and PCSK-9 inhibitors called for the discovery of alternative therapeutic candidates with potential dual HMG-R and PCSK-9 inhibitory activities from natural origins. Therefore, this report firstly describes the mechanistic insights into the cholesterol homeostasis through HMG-R, PCSK-9, and LDL-R functionality and then compiles the pharmacological effects of natural secondary metabolites with special emphasis on their dual HMG-R and PCSK-9 inhibitory action. In conclusion, various natural products exhibit atheroprotective effects via targeting HMG-R and PCSK-9 activities and lipoprotein metabolism, however, further clinical assessments are still warranted prior their approval for ASCVD risk management in hypercholesterolemic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Waiz
- IIRC-5, Clinical Biochemistry and Natural Product Research Lab, Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, U.P. 226026, India
| | - Sahir Sultan Alvi
- IIRC-5, Clinical Biochemistry and Natural Product Research Lab, Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, U.P. 226026, India
| | - M Salman Khan
- IIRC-5, Clinical Biochemistry and Natural Product Research Lab, Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, U.P. 226026, India
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17
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Ahamad S, Mathew S, Khan WA, Mohanan K. Development of small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1332-1349. [PMID: 35121175 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
When secreted into the circulation, proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) blocks the low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDL-R) and, as a consequence, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increase. Therefore, PCSK9 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for lowering LDL-C levels and preventing atherosclerosis. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against PCSK9, but the expensive manufacturing process limits their use. Subsequently, there have been tremendous efforts to develop cost-effective small molecules specific to PCSK9 over the past few years. These small molecules are promising therapeutics that act by preventing the synthesis of PCSK9, its secretion from cells, or the PCSK9-LDRL interaction. In this review, we summarize recent developments in the discovery of small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors, focusing on their design, therapeutic effects, specific targets, and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakir Ahamad
- Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002 UP, India.
| | - Shintu Mathew
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, 226031 UP, India
| | - Waqas A Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002 UP, India
| | - Kishor Mohanan
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, 226031 UP, India.
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18
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Xia XD, Peng ZS, Gu HM, Wang M, Wang GQ, Zhang DW. Regulation of PCSK9 Expression and Function: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:764038. [PMID: 34782856 PMCID: PMC8589637 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.764038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and plays a central role in regulating plasma levels of LDL cholesterol levels, lipoprotein(a) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, PCSK9 promotes degradation of major histocompatibility protein class I and reduces intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. Inhibition of PCSK9 increases expression of LDLR, thereby reducing plasma levels of lipoproteins and the risk of cardiovascular disease. PCSK9 inhibition also increases cell surface levels of major histocompatibility protein class I in cancer cells and suppresses tumor growth. Therefore, PCSK9 plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and cancer, the top two causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Monoclonal anti-PCSK9 antibody-based therapy is currently the only available treatment that can effectively reduce plasma LDL-C levels and suppress tumor growth. However, high expenses limit their widespread use. PCSK9 promotes lysosomal degradation of its substrates, but the detailed molecular mechanism by which PCSK9 promotes degradation of its substrates is not completely understood, impeding the development of more cost-effective alternative strategies to inhibit PCSK9. Here, we review our current understanding of PCSK9 and focus on the regulation of its expression and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dan Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Zhong-Sheng Peng
- School of Economics, Management and Law, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong-Mei Gu
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Maggie Wang
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gui-Qing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- Group on the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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19
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Sun P, Zhao L, Zhang N, Zhou J, Zhang L, Wu W, Ji B, Zhou F. Bioactivity of Dietary Polyphenols: The Role in LDL-C Lowering. Foods 2021; 10:2666. [PMID: 34828946 PMCID: PMC8617782 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of the death around the world. An elevation of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. To achieve optimal plasma LDL-C levels, clinal therapies were investigated which targeted different metabolism pathways. However, some therapies also caused various adverse effects. Thus, there is a need for new treatment options and/or combination therapies to inhibit the LDL-C level. Dietary polyphenols have received much attention in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases due to their potential LDL-C lowering effects. However, the effectiveness and potential mechanisms of polyphenols in lowering LDL-C is not comprehensively summarized. This review focused on dietary polyphenols that could reduce LDL-C and their mechanisms of action. This review also discussed the limitations and suggestions regarding previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (P.S.); (N.Z.); (J.Z.); (L.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Liang Zhao
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China;
| | - Nanhai Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (P.S.); (N.Z.); (J.Z.); (L.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Jingxuan Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (P.S.); (N.Z.); (J.Z.); (L.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Liebing Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (P.S.); (N.Z.); (J.Z.); (L.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Wei Wu
- College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Baoping Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (P.S.); (N.Z.); (J.Z.); (L.Z.); (B.J.)
| | - Feng Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (P.S.); (N.Z.); (J.Z.); (L.Z.); (B.J.)
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20
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Kang M, Kim EH, Jeong J, Ha H. Heukcha, naturally post-fermented green tea extract, ameliorates diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and NAFLD in hamster. J Food Sci 2021; 86:5016-5025. [PMID: 34642957 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.15929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia, characterized by an increase in plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol (TC), is the leading cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study examined the effect of Heukcha extract (HCE), a naturally post-fermented green tea extract, on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and related NAFLD in hamsters that metabolize lipids in a similar fashion to humans. The 10-week-old golden Syrian hamsters were fed a normal diet (ND) or a high cholesterol diet (HCD) containing 0.2% cholesterol and 10% lard, and some were also given HCE (200 or 500 mg/kg/day) orally for 12 weeks. The HCE did not affect the body weight gain, food intake, or the calorie intake. HCD significantly (p < 0.05) increased LDL (0.9 to 2.1 mmol/L), TC (2.7 to 7.8 mmol/L), and triglyceride (TG; 2.3 to 4.0 mmol/L), which was significantly decreased by 27.7%, 17.3%, and 60%, respectively, by HCE. HDL was significantly increased by HCD (0.6 to 1.6 mmol/L), but it was not affected by HCE administration. Furthermore, HCE suppressed HCD-induced liver oxidative stress, fibrosis, and lipid accumulation almost to control levels. Interestingly, HCE significantly increased the protein level of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), the rate-limiting enzyme for bile acid synthesis, by 1.5-fold in the liver. The present data suggest that HCE could be a functional food ingredient that can suppress the occurrence of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and NAFLD, possibly by increasing the expression of CYP7A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Kang
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ee Hyun Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeewon Jeong
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hunjoo Ha
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Kamaruddin NN, Hajri NA, Andriani Y, Abdul Manan AF, Tengku Muhammad TS, Mohamad H. Acanthaster planci Inhibits PCSK9 and Lowers Cholesterol Levels in Rats. Molecules 2021; 26:5094. [PMID: 34443682 PMCID: PMC8398678 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases which in turn, lead to the highest number of mortalities globally. This pathophysiological condition is developed due to a constant elevated level of plasma cholesterols. Statin is currently the widely used treatment in reducing the level of cholesterols, however, it may cause adverse side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for new alternative treatment. PCSK9 is an enzyme responsible in directing LDL-receptor (LDL-R)/LDL-cholesterols (LDL-C) complex to lysosomal degradation, preventing the receptor from recycling back to the surface of liver cells. Therefore, PCSK9 offers a potential target to search for small molecule inhibitors which inhibit the function of this enzyme. In this study, a marine invertebrate Acanthaster planci, was used to investigate its potential in inhibiting PCSK9 and lowering the levels of cholesterols. Cytotoxicity activity of A. planci on human liver HepG2 cells was carried out using the MTS assay. It was found that methanolic extract and fractions did not exhibit cytotoxicity effect on HepG2 cell line with IC50 values of more than 30 µg/mL. A compound deoxythymidine also did not exert any cytotoxicity activity with IC50 value of more than 4 µg/mL. Transient transfection and luciferase assay were conducted to determine the effects of A. planci on the transcriptional activity of PCSK9 promoter. Methanolic extract and Fraction 2 (EF2) produced the lowest reduction in PCSK9 promoter activity to 70 and 20% of control at 12.5 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, deoxythymidine also decreased PCSK9 promoter activity to the lowest level of 60% control at 3.13 μM. An in vivo study using Sprague Dawley rats demonstrated that 50 and 100 mg/kg of A. planci methanolic extract reduced the total cholesterols and LDL-C levels to almost similar levels of untreated controls. The level of serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) showed that the administration of the extract did not produce any toxicity effect and cause any damage to rat liver. The results strongly indicate that A. planci produced a significant inhibitory activity on PCSK9 gene expression in HepG2 cells which may be responsible for inducing the uptake of cholesterols by liver, thus, reducing the circulating levels of total cholesterols and LDL-C. Interestingly, A. planci also did show any adverse hepato-cytotoxicity and toxic effects on liver. Thus, this study strongly suggests that A. planci has a vast potential to be further developed as a new class of therapeutic agent in lowering the blood cholesterols and reducing the progression of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tengku Sifzizul Tengku Muhammad
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia; (N.N.K.); (N.A.H.); (Y.A.); (A.F.A.M.)
| | - Habsah Mohamad
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia; (N.N.K.); (N.A.H.); (Y.A.); (A.F.A.M.)
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22
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Monfoulet LE, Ruskovska T, Ajdžanović V, Havlik J, Vauzour D, Bayram B, Krga I, Corral-Jara KF, Kistanova E, Abadjieva D, Massaro M, Scoditti E, Deligiannidou E, Kontogiorgis C, Arola-Arnal A, van Schothorst EM, Morand C, Milenkovic D. Molecular Determinants of the Cardiometabolic Improvements of Dietary Flavanols Identified by an Integrative Analysis of Nutrigenomic Data from a Systematic Review of Animal Studies. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021; 65:e2100227. [PMID: 34048642 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202100227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Flavanols are important polyphenols of the human diet with extensive demonstrations of their beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health. They contribute to preserve health acting on a large range of cellular processes. The underlying mechanisms of action of flavanols are not fully understood but involve a nutrigenomic regulation. METHODS AND RESULTS To further capture how the intake of dietary flavanols results in the modulation of gene expression, nutrigenomics data in response to dietary flavanols obtained from animal models of cardiometabolic diseases have been collected and submitted to a bioinformatics analysis. This systematic analysis shows that dietary flavanols modulate a large range of genes mainly involved in endocrine function, fatty acid metabolism, and inflammation. Several regulators of the gene expression have been predicted and include transcription factors, miRNAs and epigenetic factors. CONCLUSION This review highlights the complex and multilevel action of dietary flavanols contributing to their strong potential to preserve cardiometabolic health. The identification of the potential molecular mediators and of the flavanol metabolites driving the nutrigenomic response in the target organs is still a pending question which the answer will contribute to optimize the beneficial health effects of dietary bioactives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatjana Ruskovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia
| | - Vladimir Ajdžanović
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković,", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jaroslav Havlik
- Department of Food Science, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague 6, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - David Vauzour
- Department of Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Banu Bayram
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irena Krga
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000, France.,Centre of Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Elena Kistanova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Desislava Abadjieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Marika Massaro
- National Research Council (CNR) Institute of Clinical Physiology, Lecce, Italy
| | - Egeria Scoditti
- National Research Council (CNR) Institute of Clinical Physiology, Lecce, Italy
| | - Eirini Deligiannidou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece
| | - Christos Kontogiorgis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68100, Greece
| | - Anna Arola-Arnal
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Nutrigenomics Research Group, Tarragona, 43007, Spain
| | | | - Christine Morand
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000, France
| | - Dragan Milenkovic
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000, France.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA
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23
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Favero G, Moretti E, Krajčíková K, Tomečková V, Rezzani R. Evidence of Polyphenols Efficacy against Dry Eye Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020190. [PMID: 33525721 PMCID: PMC7911148 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease is a multifactorial pathology compromising the quality of life of patients, resulting in significant damage of the ocular surface and discomfort. The current therapeutical strategies are not able to definitively resolve the underlying causes and stop the symptoms. Polyphenols are promising natural molecules that are receiving increasing attention for their activity/effects in counteracting the main pathologic mechanisms of dry eye disease and reducing its symptoms. In the present review, a deep literature search focusing on the main polyphenols tested against dry eye disease was conducted, analyzing related in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to provide a comprehensive and current review on the state of the art. Polyphenols present multiple effects against dry eye diseases-related ocular surface injury. In particular, the observed beneficial effects of polyphenols on corneal cells are the reduction of the pathological processes of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and modulation of the tear film. Due to numerous studies reporting that polyphenols are effective and safe for treating the pathological mechanisms of this ocular surface disease, we believe that future studies should confirm and extend the evidence of polyphenols efficacy in clinical practice against dry eye disease and help to develop new ophthalmic drug(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Favero
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Enrico Moretti
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Kristína Krajčíková
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 12 Košice, Slovakia; (K.K.); (V.T.)
| | - Vladimíra Tomečková
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 12 Košice, Slovakia; (K.K.); (V.T.)
| | - Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.F.); (E.M.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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