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Aguchem RN, Okagu IU, Okorigwe EM, Uzoechina JO, Nnemolisa SC, Ezeorba TPC. Role of CETP, PCSK-9, and CYP7-alpha in cholesterol metabolism: Potential targets for natural products in managing hypercholesterolemia. Life Sci 2024; 351:122823. [PMID: 38866219 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122823] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, primarily affecting the heart and blood vessels, with atherosclerosis being a major contributing factor to their onset. Epidemiological and clinical studies have linked high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) emanating from distorted cholesterol homeostasis as its major predisposing factor. Cholesterol homeostasis, which involves maintaining the balance in body cholesterol level, is mediated by several proteins or receptors, transcription factors, and even genes, regulating cholesterol influx (through dietary intake or de novo synthesis) and efflux (by their conversion to bile acids). Previous knowledge about CVDs management has evolved around modulating these receptors' activities through synthetic small molecules/antibodies, with limited interest in natural products. The central roles of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1), among other proteins or receptors, have fostered growing scientific interests in understanding more on their regulatory activities and potential as drug targets. We present up-to-date knowledge on the contributions of CETP, PCSK9, and CYP7A1 toward CVDs, highlighting the clinical successes and failures of small molecules/antibodies to modulate their activities. In recommendation for a new direction to improve cardiovascular health, we have presented recent findings on natural products (including functional food, plant extracts, phytochemicals, bioactive peptides, and therapeutic carbohydrates) that also modulate the activities of CETP, PCSK-9, and CYP7A1, and emphasized the need for more research efforts redirected toward unraveling more on natural products potentials even at clinical trial level for CVD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ngozi Aguchem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
| | - Innocent Uzochukwu Okagu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
| | - Ekezie Matthew Okorigwe
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 46556 Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Jude Obiorah Uzoechina
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen University Town, Shenzhen, PR China
| | | | - Timothy Prince Chidike Ezeorba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Environmental Health and Risk Management, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
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Qin D, Pan P, Lyu B, Chen W, Gao Y. Lupeol improves bile acid metabolism and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in mice via FXR signaling pathway and gut-liver axis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116942. [PMID: 38889641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has a multifactorial and complex pathogenesis. Notably, the disorder of Bile acid (BA) metabolism and lipid metabolism-induced lipotoxicity are the main risk factors of MASLD. Lupeol, traditional regional medicine from Xinjiang, has a long history of use for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune-modulating properties. Recent research suggests its potential as a therapeutic option for MASLD due to its proposed binding capacity to the nuclear BA receptor, Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), hence could represent a therapeutic option for MASLD. In this study, a natural triterpenoid drug lupeol improved BA metabolism and MASLD in mice through the FXR signaling pathway and the gut-liver axis. Furthermore, lupeol effectively restored gut healthiness and improved intestinal immunity, barrier integrity, and inflammation, as indicated by the reconstructed gut flora. Compared with fenofibrate (Feno), lupeol treatment significantly reduced weight gain, fat deposition, and liver injury, decreased serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels, and alleviated hepatic steatosis and liver inflammation. BA analysis showed that lupeol treatment accelerated BA efflux and decreased uptake of BA by increasing hepatic FXR and bile salt export pump (BSEP) expression. Gut microbiota alterations could be related to enhanced fecal BA excretion in lupeol-treated mice. Therefore, consumption of lupeol may prevent HFD-induced MASLD and BA accumulation, possibly via the FXR signaling pathway and regulating the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Qin
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Peiyan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Bo Lyu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China.
| | - Weijun Chen
- Xinjiang Second Medical College, Karamay 834000, China.
| | - Yuefeng Gao
- College of Applied Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Sanmenxia 472000, China.
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Rahman NIA, Ramzi MM, Rawi NN, Siong JYF, Bakar K, Bhubalan K, Ariffin F, Saidin J, Azemi AK, Ismail N. Characterization of antibiofilm compound from marine sponge Stylissa carteri. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:37552-37563. [PMID: 38780848 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33704-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The fouling phenomenon grabbed global attention and caused huge economic losses specifically in marine-related industries. Sessile behavior exposed the sponge to the risk of fouling. However, their bodies remained free from foulers, which were attributed to the chemical defense system. The objectives of this study were to determine the antibiofilm activity of the marine sponge, Stylissa carteri, and to characterize the isolated compound involved. The antibiofilm activity of S. carteri methanolic crude extract (MCE) and fractions was tested against biofilm-producing bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using two different modes of crystal violet biofilm assays: preventive and detachment. Besides that, the disc-diffusion test was conducted to screen the antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria while a cytotoxicity assay was conducted on the HepG2 cell line. Bioassay-guided fractionation was carried out using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) and solid phase extraction using a C18 Sep-Pak Cartridge. The crystal compound was isolated and characterized through thin-layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The S. carteri MCE showed a promising result with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20.22 μg/mL in the preventive assay, while no IC50 was determined in the detachment assay since all inhibitions < 50%. The S. carteri MCE exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and displayed a non-cytotoxic effect. Fraction 4 from MCE of S. carteri (IC50 = 2.40 μg/mL) reduced the biofilm in the preventive assay at all concentrations and exhibited no antibacterial activity indicating the independence of antibiofilm from antibacterial properties. Based on the data obtained, an alkaloid named debromohymenialdisine (DBH) was identified from Fraction 4 of S. carteri MCE. In conclusion, S. carteri was able to reduce the establishment of the biofilm formed by P. aeruginosa and could serve as a prominent source of natural antifouling agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Izzati Abd Rahman
- Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mujahidah Mohd Ramzi
- Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Najihah Rawi
- Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Julius Yong Fu Siong
- Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Kamariah Bakar
- Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Kesaven Bhubalan
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Fazilah Ariffin
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Jasnizat Saidin
- Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Khusairi Azemi
- Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Noraznawati Ismail
- Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
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Kamaruddin NN, Mohd Din LH, Jack A, Abdul Manan AF, Mohamad H, Tengku Muhammad TS. Acanthaster planci Inhibits PCSK9 Gene Expression via Peroxisome Proliferator Response Element (PPRE) and Activation of MEK and PKC Signaling Pathways in Human Liver Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030269. [PMID: 35337067 PMCID: PMC8955981 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A constantly elevated level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is mainly associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The use of statins as a treatment for reducing plasma LDL-C levels has led, in some cases, to adverse side effects, including a decrease in hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR), the receptor responsible for the uptake of circulating LDL-C. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is an enzyme responsible for directing the LDLR–LDL-C complex to lysosomal degradation upon transport into cells, preventing the recycling of LDLR to the cell surface. Therefore, PCSK9 may offer a new target for reducing the levels of plasma LDL-C. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of action of a selected fraction of A. planci on PCSK9 gene expression, as well as the effect of the fraction on the level of LDLR protein and the uptake of LDL-C. Using real-time PCR, it was shown that the selected A. planci fraction reduced the gene expression of PCSK9 in human liver HepG2 cells. Immunocytochemistry analysis demonstrated that the selected A. planci fraction increased the LDLR protein level and LDL-C uptake in HepG2 cells. Promoter mutational and gene expression analyses revealed that PPRE, a binding site for peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR), was responsible for mediating the inhibitory effect of the selected fraction on PCSK9 mRNA. In addition, MAP kinase and PKC components of the signal transduction pathway were activated, inducing the action of the selected A. planci fraction in decreasing PCSK9 gene expression. These findings suggest that the selected fraction shows good potential for reducing circulating LDL-C and, thus, may be a good therapeutic intervention to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurjannatul Naim Kamaruddin
- Immune and Molecular Therapeutics Program, Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia; (N.N.K.); (L.H.M.D.); (A.J.)
| | - Lukman Hakim Mohd Din
- Immune and Molecular Therapeutics Program, Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia; (N.N.K.); (L.H.M.D.); (A.J.)
| | - Allicia Jack
- Immune and Molecular Therapeutics Program, Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia; (N.N.K.); (L.H.M.D.); (A.J.)
- Nutrition & Food Safety Program, Food Science & Technology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI) Headquarters, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Aina Farahiyah Abdul Manan
- Natural and Product Synthetics Program, Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia; (A.F.A.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Habsah Mohamad
- Natural and Product Synthetics Program, Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia; (A.F.A.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Tengku Sifzizul Tengku Muhammad
- Immune and Molecular Therapeutics Program, Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia; (N.N.K.); (L.H.M.D.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence:
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