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Huang Y, Ran X, Liu H, Luo M, Qin Y, Yan J, Li X, Jia Y. A novel dammarane triterpenoid alleviates atherosclerosis by activating the LXRα pathway. Chin Med 2023; 18:72. [PMID: 37322486 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00758-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously demonstrated that ginsenoside compound K can attenuate the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, ginsenoside compound K has potential for atherosclerosis therapy. How to improve the druggability and enhance the antiatherosclerotic activity of ginsenoside compound K are the core problems in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. CKN is a ginsenoside compound K derivative that was previously reported to have excellent antiatherosclerotic activity in vitro, and we have applied for international patents for it. METHODS Male C57BL/6 ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat and high-choline diet to induce atherosclerosis and were subjected to in vivo studies. In vitro, the CCK-8 method was applied to evaluate cytotoxicity in macrophages. Foam cells were utilized, and cellular lipid determination was performed for in vitro studies. The area of atherosclerotic plaque and fatty infiltration of the liver were measured by image analysis. Serum lipid and liver function were determined by a seralyzer. Immunofluorescence and western blot analysis were conducted to explore the alterations in the expression levels of lipid efflux-related proteins. Molecular docking, reporter gene experiments and cellular thermal shift assays were used to verify the interaction between CKN and LXRα. RESULTS After confirming the therapeutic effects of CKN, molecular docking, reporter gene experiments and cellular thermal shift assays were used to predict and investigate the antiatherosclerotic mechanisms of CKN. CKN exhibited the greatest potency, with a 60.9% and 48.1% reduction in en face atherosclerotic lesions on the thoracic aorta and brachiocephalic trunk, reduced plasma lipid levels and decreased foam cell levels in the vascular plaque content in HHD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, CKN in the present study may exert its antiatherosclerotic effects through activated ABCA1 by promoting LXRα nuclear translocation and reducing the adverse effects of LXRα activation. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that CKN prevented the formation of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice by activating the LXRα pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaodong Ran
- Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mingming Luo
- Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yiyu Qin
- Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jinqiong Yan
- Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yi Jia
- Institute of Materia Medica and Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Floresta G, Patamia V, Zagni C, Rescifina A. Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) inhibitors. An update from 2017 to early 2022. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 240:114604. [PMID: 35849941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a protein predominantly expressed in macrophages and adipose tissue, where it regulates fatty acids storage and lipolysis and is an essential mediator of inflammation. Small molecule inhibitors of FABP4 have attracted interest following the recent publications of beneficial pharmacological effects of these compounds for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and, more recently, for other pathologies. Since the synthesis of the BMS309403, one of the first selective and effective FABP4 inhibitors, hundreds of other inhibitors have been synthesized (i.e., derivatives of niacin, quinoxaline, aryl-quinoline, bicyclic pyridine, urea, aromatic compounds and other novel heterocyclic compounds). This review updates the recently reported (2017 to early 2022) molecules as adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Floresta
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Patamia
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Zagni
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco e della Salute, Università di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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Floresta G, Pistarà V, Amata E, Dichiara M, Marrazzo A, Prezzavento O, Rescifina A. Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) inhibitors. A comprehensive systematic review. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 138:854-873. [PMID: 28738306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) have attracted interest following the recent publications of beneficial pharmacological effects of these compounds. FABP4 is predominantly expressed in macrophages and adipose tissue where it regulates fatty acids (FAs) storage and lipolysis and is an important mediator of inflammation. In the past years, hundreds FABP4 inhibitors have been synthesized for effective atherosclerosis and diabetes treatments, including derivatives of niacin, quinoxaline, aryl-quinoline, bicyclic pyridine, urea, aromatic compounds and other novel heterocyclic compounds. This review provides an overview of the synthesized and discovered molecules as adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 inhibitors (FABP4is) since the synthesis of the putative FABP4i, BMS309403, highlighting the interactions of the different classes of inhibitors with the targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Floresta
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Venerando Pistarà
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Amata
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Dichiara
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Orazio Prezzavento
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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Jiang Q, Wang D, Han Y, Han Z, Zhong W, Wang C. Modulation of oxidized-LDL receptor-1 (LOX1) contributes to the antiatherosclerosis effect of oleanolic acid. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 69:142-52. [PMID: 26510581 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oleanolic acid (OA) is a bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoid. The current work studied the effects and possible mechanisms of OA in atherosclerosis. Quails (Coturnix coturnix) were treated with high fat diet with or without OA. Atherosclerosis was assessed by examining lipid profile, antioxidant status and histology in serum and aorta. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to 200μg/mL ox-LDL for 24h, then cell viability was assessed with MTT assay; reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed with DCFDA staining. Expression levels of LOX-1, NADPH oxidase subunits, nrf2 and ho-1 were measured with real time PCR and western blotting. Furthermore, LOX-1 was silenced with lentivirus and the expression levels assessment was repeated. OA treatment improved the lipid profile and antioxidant status in quails fed with high fat diet. Histology showed decreased atherosclerosis in OA treated animals. Ox-LDL exposure decreased viability and induced ROS generation in HUVECs, and this progression was alleviated by OA pretreatment. Moreover, elevated expression of LOX-1, NADPH oxidase subunits, nrf2 and ho-1 were observed in ox-LDL exposed HUVECs. OA pretreatment prevented ox-LDL induced increase of LOX-1 and NADPH oxidase subunits expression, while further increased nrf2 and ho-1 expression. Silencing of LOX-1 abolished ox-LDL induced effects in cell viability, ROS generation and gene expression. OA could alleviate high fat diet induced atherosclerosis in quail and ox-LDL induced cytotoxicity in HUVECs; the potential mechanism involves modulation of LOX-1 activity, including inhibition of expression of NADPH oxidase subunits and increase of the expression of nrf2 and ho-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixiao Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University Medical College, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Daoyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University Medical College, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Yantao Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University Medical College, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Zhiwu Han
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China.
| | - Weizhen Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University Medical College, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Chunbo Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University Medical College, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, Shandong, China.
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Aggarwal A, Singh S. Newer antiatherosclerosis treatment strategies. Heart Asia 2011; 3:26-30. [PMID: 27325976 DOI: 10.1136/ha.2010.003129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis has been a target of much clinical and molecular research. As a result of this extensive research, it is amply clear that atherogenesis is a multifactorial process involving an interplay of metabolic, immune and inflammatory mechanisms. Antiatherosclerotic strategies are today aiming for a multipronged approach targeting each arm of this multifactorial process. The newer agents under development can be divided into three broad categories: anti-inflammatory agents, modulators of intermediary metabolism and antiatherosclerosis vaccines. Potential targets for anti-inflammatory agents include inhibition of conversion of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidised LDL, blocking or downregulation of cell adhesion molecules, chemokine modulation and macrophage receptor blockade. Beyond inhibition of plaque formation, efforts are also ongoing to develop agents which stabilise the plaque by increasing its fibrous content and inhibiting its disruption. So far as research in the sphere of intermediary metabolism is concerned, the focus is now primarily on raising high-density lipoprotein and promoting reverse cholesterol transport; potential targets include cholesteryl ester transfer protein, liver X-receptor, lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase and high-density lipoprotein mimetics. Acyl-coenzymeA: cholesterol acyltransferase is another enzyme whose selective and differential inhibition is under active investigation. The concept of immunisation against a non-communicable disease such as atherosclerosis is still in its nascent stages. However, with increasing evidence to suggest the role of antigen-specific T-cell-mediated immunity in atherogenesis, this approach is potentially promising. Possible antigens under evaluation include oxidised LDL and its subparticles, heat-shock proteins and cholesteryl ester transfer protein. With cardiovascular disease being the single leading cause of death worldwide, the development of a safe and successful antiatherosclerosis strategy (possibly employing a combination of agents acting at various levels) will indeed be a major 21st-century achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitesh Aggarwal
- Department of Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India; Department of Preventive Cardiology, University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Safal Singh
- Department of Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India; Department of Preventive Cardiology, University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India
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