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Li X, Li M. Unlocking Cholesterol Metabolism in Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Molecular Targets and Natural Product Interventions. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1073. [PMID: 39204178 PMCID: PMC11358954 DOI: 10.3390/ph17081073] [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: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, represents a growing global health concern. The intricate pathogenesis of MASLD, driven by genetic, metabolic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, leads to considerable clinical variability. Dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism, particularly cholesterol homeostasis, is a critical factor in the progression of MASLD and its more severe form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This review elucidates the multifaceted roles of cholesterol metabolism in MASLD, focusing on its absorption, transportation, biosynthesis, efflux, and conversion. We highlight recent advancements in understanding these processes and explore the therapeutic potential of natural products such as curcumin, berberine, and resveratrol in modulating cholesterol metabolism. By targeting key molecular pathways, these natural products offer promising strategies for MASLD management. Finally, this review also covers the clinical studies of natural products in MASLD, providing new insights for future research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meng Li
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China;
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Abd-Elhafiz HI, Faried MA, Khodir SA, Moaty AS, Sweed EM. Ezetimibe protects against Gentamycin-induced ototoxicity in rats by antioxidants, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and BDNF upregulation. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39138615 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2024.2390463] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The threat of hearing loss has become a universal reality. Gentamycin (GM) can lead to ototoxicity and may result in permanent hearing loss. This study aimed to elucidate whether the hypolipidemic drug Ezetimibe (EZE) has a possible underlying mechanism for protecting rats from GM-induced ototoxicity. METHODS AND RESULTS 30 male Wister albino rats were separated into three groups, ten in each group: control, GM, and GM + EZE. At the end of the experiment, rats underwent hearing threshold evaluation via auditory brainstem response (ABR), carotid artery blood flow velocity (CBV), and resistance (CVR) measurement, in addition to a biochemical assessment of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT), hemeOxygenase-1 (HO-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Also, real-time PCR was employed to quantify the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Cochlea was also studied via histological and immunohistochemical methods. GM revealed a significant increase in CVR, MDA, NO, and TNF-α and a significant decrease in ABR, CBV, CAT, HO-1, and cochlear BDNF expression. EZE supplementation revealed a significant rise in ARB in addition to CBV and a decline in CVR and protected cochlear tissues via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms via downregulating Caspase-3 immunoreaction, upregulating proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreaction, and upregulating of the cochlear BDNF expression. Correlations were significantly negative between BDNF and MDA, NO, TNF-α, COX 2, and caspase-3 immunoreaction and significantly positive with CAT, HO-1, and PCNA immunoreaction. DISCUSSION EZE can safeguard inner ear tissues from GM via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms, as well as upregulation of BDNF mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda I Abd-Elhafiz
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Manar A Faried
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Suzan A Khodir
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Salah Moaty
- Otolaryngology department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Eman M Sweed
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
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Peña-Vázquez GI, Arredondo-Arenillas A, Serrano-Sandoval SN, Antunes-Ricardo M. Functional foods lipids: unraveling their role in the immune response in obesity. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-22. [PMID: 39073763 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2382942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Functional lipids are lipids that are found in food matrices and play an important role in influencing human health as their role goes beyond energy storage and structural components. Ongoing research into functional lipids has highlighted their potential to modulate immune responses and other mechanisms associated with obesity, along with its comorbidities. These lipids represent a new field that may offer new therapeutic and preventive strategies for these diseases by understanding their contribution to health. In this review, we discussed in-depth the potential food sources of functional lipids and their reported potential benefit of the major lipid classification: based on their composition such as simple, compound, and derived lipids, and based on their function such as storage and structural, by investigating the intricate mechanisms through which these lipids interact in the human body. We summarize the key insights into the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the most studied functional lipids. Furthermore, we review the main immunomodulatory mechanisms reported in the literature in the past years. Finally, we discuss the perspectives and challenges faced in the food industry related to functional lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Itzel Peña-Vázquez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centro de Biotecnología FEMSA, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Monterrey, NL, México
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute for Obesity Research, Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
| | - Ana Arredondo-Arenillas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centro de Biotecnología FEMSA, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Monterrey, NL, México
| | - Sayra N Serrano-Sandoval
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centro de Biotecnología FEMSA, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Monterrey, NL, México
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute for Obesity Research, Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
| | - Marilena Antunes-Ricardo
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centro de Biotecnología FEMSA, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Monterrey, NL, México
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute for Obesity Research, Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, México
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Maisto M, Marzocchi A, Keivani N, Piccolo V, Summa V, Tenore GC. Natural Chalcones for the Management of Obesity Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15929. [PMID: 37958912 PMCID: PMC10648025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115929] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the incidence of obesity has increased dramatically worldwide, reaching a dangerous pandemic spread. This condition has serious public health implications as it significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. The treatment of obesity is therefore the greatest health challenge of our time. Conventional therapeutic treatment of obesity is based on the use of various synthetic molecules belonging to the class of appetite suppressants, lipase inhibitors, hormones, metabolic regulators, and inhibitors of intestinal peptide receptors. The long-term use of these molecules is generally limited by various side effects and tolerance. For this reason, the search for natural alternatives to treat obesity is a current research goal. This review therefore examined the anti-obesity potential of natural chalcones based on available evidence from in vitro and animal studies. In particular, the results of the main in vitro studies describing the principal molecular therapeutic targets and the mechanism of action of the different chalcones investigated were described. In addition, the results of the most relevant animal studies were reported. Undoubtedly, future clinical studies are urgently needed to confirm and validate the potential of natural chalcones in the clinical prophylaxis of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maisto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 59, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (N.K.); (V.P.); (V.S.); (G.C.T.)
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Fan S, Jin Q, Zhang P, Xu D, Cheng J, Wang L. Isoliquiritigenin modulates the activity of LTS and non-LTS cells in the ventrolateral preoptic area via GABA A receptors. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20620. [PMID: 37876454 PMCID: PMC10590785 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20620] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Isoliquiritigenin (ILTG) is a chalcone compound that exhibits hypnotic effects via gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. The ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) is a sleep-promoting center that contains a large number of GABA-releasing cells. There are two cell types in the VLPO: one generates a low-threshold spike (LTS), whereas the other lacks an LTS (non-LTS). Method Whole-cell patch-clamp technology was used to detect the firing and currents of LTS and non-LTS cells in the VLPO. Results Bath administration of ILTG (10 μM) increased the firing rate of VLPO LTS cells, reversed by flumazenil (5 μM), a GABAA benzodiazepine site antagonist. However, the firing rate of VLPO non-LTS cells was inhibited by ILTG (10 μM), also reversed by flumazenil (5 μM). No differences were detected regarding resting membrane potential (RMP) amplitude, spike threshold, afterhyperpolarization (AHP) amplitude, or action potential duration (APD50) after ILTG (10 μM) perfusion in VLPO LTS cells. RMP amplitude was more hyperpolarized and spike threshold was higher after ILTG (10 μM) application in VLPO non-LTS cells. In addition, ILTG significantly reduced the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in VLPO LTS cells. ILTG significantly increased the amplitude of mIPSCs in VLPO non-LTS cells. Conclusions This study revealed that ILTG suppresses presynaptic GABA release on VLPO LTS cells, thereby increasing their excitability. ILTG enhances postsynaptic GABAA receptor function on VLPO non-LTS cells, thereby decreasing their excitability. These results suggest that ILTG may produce hypnotic effects by modulating the GABAergic synaptic transmission properties of these two cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumei Fan
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qiaoling Jin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dejiao Xu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juan Cheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liecheng Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- School of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Jia A, Jiang H, Liu W, Chen P, Xu Q, Zhang R, Sun J. Novel application potential of cinaciguat in the treatment of mixed hyperlipidemia through targeting PTL/NPC1L1 and alleviating intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disorders. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106854. [PMID: 37460003 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Mixed hyperlipidemia, characterized by high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, is a key risk factor leading to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Existing clinical drugs usually only work on a single indicator, decreasing either triglyceride or cholesterol levels. Developing dual-acting agents that reduce both triglycerides and cholesterol remains a great challenge. Pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL) and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) have been identified as crucial proteins in the transport of triglycerides and cholesterol. Here, cinaciguat, a known agent used in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure, was identified as a potent dual inhibitor targeting PTL and NPC1L1. We presented in vitro evidence from surface plasmon resonance analysis that cinaciguat interacted with PTL and NPC1L1. Furthermore, cinaciguat exhibited potent PTL-inhibition activity. Fluorescence-labeled cholesterol uptake analysis and confocal imaging showed that cinaciguat effectively inhibited cholesterol uptake. In vivo evaluation showed that cinaciguat significantly reduced the plasma levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, and effectively alleviated high-fat diet-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disorders. These results collectively suggest that cinaciguat has the potential to be further developed for the therapy of mixed hyperlipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Jia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Hongfei Jiang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Pengwei Chen
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Products from Li Folk Medicine, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China.
| | - Qi Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Immunology for Environment and Health, Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China.
| | - Renshuai Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Jufeng Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China.
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Kuriya K, Goto S, Kobayashi E, Nishio M, Nakamura M, Umekawa H. Cholesterol-lowering activity of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) polyphenols. Mol Biol Rep 2023:10.1007/s11033-023-08481-7. [PMID: 37160631 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08481-7] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adzuki beans (ABs; Vigna angularis) were reported to show potential for prevention of cholesterol absorption and lowering of the blood cholesterol level. However, the main active compounds and some cellular effects remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the potential cholesterol-lowering effects of (+)-catechin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (C7G) and (+)-epicatechin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (E7G), identified as abundant polyphenols in ABs. METHODS AND RESULTS To investigate the cholesterol-lowering activity in vitro, cholesterol micelles, bile acids, and Caco-2 cells as an intestinal model were used in the study. C7G and E7G each inhibited micellar solubility in a dose-dependent manner, and their inhibitory activity was as strong as that of (+)-catechin (IC50 values: C7G, 0.23 ± 0.03 mg/ml; E7G, 0.22 ± 0.02 mg/ml; (+)-catechin, 0.26 ± 0.11 mg/ml). The AB polyphenols showed binding activity toward bile acids and changed them into an insoluble form. When Caco-2 cells were treated with C7G or E7G, the amount of incorporated cholesterol was significantly decreased compared with vehicle-treated control cells, and no cytotoxicity was observed under the experimental conditions used. Meanwhile, quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the mRNA level of the cholesterol transporter NPC1L1 remained unchanged in the treated cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the present findings suggest that C7G and E7G are the main active compounds in ABs, and have the ability to inhibit micellar solubility, bind to bile acids, and suppress cholesterol absorption. The present study supports the health benefits of ABs as a medicinal food and the application of AB polyphenols as medicinal supplements to suppress cholesterol elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Kuriya
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Sayaka Goto
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Erina Kobayashi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nishio
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | | | - Hayato Umekawa
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, 1577 Kurimamachiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
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