Experimental hyperlipidemia and the effect of NSAIDs

Hyperlipidemia and Rotator Cuff Tears: Exploring Mechanisms and Effective Treatment

The detrimental effects of hyperlipidemia on the healing of rotator cuff tears are well documented. The proposed underlying mechanisms for these effects include alterations in the extracellular matrix, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which hamper the reparative processes in the affected tendon tissues. Recent therapeutic strategies target these pathways, reflecting a growing body of research dedicated to mitigating these effects and promoting healing. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology underlying rotator cuff tears, examine the interplay between hyperlipidemia and rotator cuff tear healing, synthesize current knowledge on contributing biological mechanisms, and outline potential therapeutic interventions to optimize clinical management and treatment outcomes for patients.

Anti-dyslipidemic potential of sulfated glycosaminoglycan from rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata: An in vivo study

The rock oyster, Saccostrea cucullata, native to the Indo-Pacific region, is widely recognized for its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. A sulfated glycosaminoglycan (SCP-2) with β-(1 → 3)-GlcNSp and α-(1 → 4)-GlcAp as recurring units was isolated from S. cucullata. SCP-2 exhibited substantial 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibition potential (IC50 0.65 mg/mL) in comparison with atorvastatin (IC50 0.72 mg/mL). An in vitro study of SCP-2 (0.1-160 μg/dL) revealed a 77-89 % reduction in triglyceride levels in Caco-2 cells after 4 days of incubation, similar to atorvastatin-treated cells (90 %). The efficacy of SCP-2 (at 90 mg/kg body weight) showed timely alleviation of triglyceride and cholesterol levels in tyloxapol-induced dyslipidemic rats (∼43 % and 81 % inhibition at 5 h), which was analogous to the atorvastatin treatment group (∼66 % and 71 %). Furthermore, SCP-2 (at 90 mg/kg body weight) showed mitigation in triglyceride (>50 %) and cholesterol levels (>25 %) in high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet-induced rats, similar to the lovastatin treatment group (approximately 62 % and 33 % inhibition on the 45th day). Histopathological studies of SCP-2 also showed recovery in ballooning degeneration, steatosis, and inflammation in liver tissues. Structure-activity relationship analysis suggested the importance of sulfate group in SCP-2 in contributing to its anti-dyslipidemic efficacy. The capability of SCP-2 to mitigate cholesterol, triglyceride, and HMGCR levels positions it as a promising functional food against dyslipidemia-related disorders.

Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Antioxidant and NSAID Derivatives with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Plasma Lipid Lowering Effects

Amides containing methyl esters of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-proline and L-tyrosine, and esters containing 3-(pyridin-3-yl)propan-1-ol were synthesized by conjugation with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic, an NSAID (tolfenamic acid), or 3-phenylacrylic (cinnamic, (E)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylic and caffeic) acids. The rationale for the conjugation of such moieties was based on the design of structures with two or more molecular characteristics. The novel compounds were tested for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties. Several compounds were potent antioxidants, comparable to the well-known antioxidant, Trolox. In addition, the radical scavenging activity of compound 6 reached levels that were slightly better than that of Trolox. All the tested compounds demonstrated remarkable activity in the reduction in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, up to 59% (compound 2, a dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule, with almost 2.5-times higher activity in this experiment than the parent NSAID). Additionally, the compounds caused a significant decrease in the plasma lipidemic indices in Triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Compound 2 decreased total cholesterol by 75.1% and compound 3 decreased triglycerides by 79.3% at 150 μmol/kg (i.p.). The hypocholesterolemic effect of the compounds was comparable to that of simvastatin, a well-known hypocholesterolemic drug. Additionally, all compounds lowered blood triglycerides. The synthesized compounds with multiple activities, as designed, may be useful as potential candidates for conditions involving inflammation, lipidemic deregulation and oxygen toxicity.

Promising drug candidates for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as alternatives to the classical medication metformin

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by abnormal production of androgens, typically present in small quantities in females. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Irosustat (STX64), STX140, and compound 1G as new drug candidates for the treatment of letrozole-induced PCOS in female Wistar rats. 36 rats were divided into six groups of equal size. PCOS was induced in all groups, except the normal control group, by administering letrozole orally (1 mg/kg/day for 35 days). The onset of abnormal estrous cycle was confirmed by examining daily vaginal smears under a microscope. Subsequently, each rat group was assigned to a different treatment regimen, including one control group, one letrozole group, one metformin group (500 mg/kg/day) as a reference drug, and the other groups received a different drug candidate orally for 30 days. After treatment, blood collection was performed for biochemical measurements and determination of oxidative stress markers. The rats were dissected to separate ovaries and uterus for morphological, histological, and western blotting studies. Treatment with the drug candidates improved the ovaries and uterus weight measurements compared to the untreated PCOS group. The three tested drug candidates demonstrated promising improvements in lipid profile, blood glucose level, testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol levels. In addition, western blotting confirmed their promising effects on Akt, mTOR, and AMPK-α pathways. This study led to the discovery of three promising drug candidates for the management of PCOS as alternatives to metformin.

A Bio-Guided Screening for Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Hypolipidemic Potential Supported by Non-Targeted Metabolomic Analysis of Crepis spp

This study was designed to evaluate the chemical fingerprints and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic activity of selected Crepis species collected in Greece, namely, C. commutata, C. dioscoridis, C. foetida, C. heldreichiana, C. incana, C. rubra, and Phitosia crocifolia (formerly known as Crepis crocifolia). For the phytochemical analyses, sample measurements were carried out by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Τhe extracts were evaluated both in vitro (radical scavenging activity: DPPH assay and total phenolic content: Folin–Ciocalteu) and in vivo (paw edema reduction and hypolipidemic activity: experimental mouse protocols). Among the tested extracts, C. incana presented the highest gallic acid equivalents (GAE) (0.0834 mg/mL) and the highest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.07 mg/mL) in vitro, as well as the highest anti-inflammatory activity with 32% edema reduction in vivo. Moreover, in the hypolipidemic protocol, the same extract increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by 48.7%, and decreased cholesterol (41.3%) as well as triglycerides (37.2%). According to fractionation of the extract and the phytochemical results, this biological effect may be associated with the rich phenolic composition; caffeoyl tartaric acid derivatives (cichoric and caftaric acid) are regarded as the most prominent bioactive specialized metabolites. The present study contributes to the knowledge regarding the phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Crepis spp.

GP73 is a TBC-domain Rab GTPase-activating protein contributing to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease without obesity

The prevalence of non-obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide with unclear etiology and pathogenesis. Here, we show GP73, a Golgi protein upregulated in livers from patients with a variety of liver diseases, exhibits Rab GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity regulating ApoB export. Upon regular-diet feeding, liver-GP73-high mice display non-obese NAFLD phenotype, characterized by reduced body weight, intrahepatic lipid accumulation, and gradual insulin resistance development, none of which can be recapitulated in liver-GAP inactive GP73-high mice. Common and specific gene expression signatures associated with GP73-induced non-obese NAFLD and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese NAFLD are revealed. Notably, metformin inactivates the GAP activity of GP73 and alleviates GP73-induced non-obese NAFLD. GP73 is pathologically elevated in NAFLD individuals without obesity, and GP73 blockade improves whole-body metabolism in non-obese NAFLD mouse model. These findings reveal a pathophysiological role of GP73 in triggering non-obese NAFLD and may offer an opportunity for clinical intervention.

Dysregulation of lipid metabolism and transport contribute to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here the authors identify GP73 as a TBC-domain Rab GTPase-activating protein that regulates very low-density lipoprotein export and promotes NAFLD development in mice.

Multitarget molecule, PTUPB, to treat diabetic nephropathy in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diabetic nephropathy is a common complications related to high morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes. We investigated the action of the dual modulator, PTUPB, a soluble epoxide hydrolase and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor against diabetic nephropathy.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Sixteen-week-old type 2 diabetic and proteinuric obese ZSF1 rats were treated with vehicle, PTUPB or enalapril for 8 weeks. Measurements were made of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, thromboxane B2 (TBX2 ) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) in the kidney of these and lean ZSF1 rats along with their blood pressure.

KEY RESULT

Obese ZSF1 rats were diabetic with fivefold higher fasting blood glucose levels and markedly higher HbA1c levels compared with lean ZSF1 rats. PTUPB nor enalapril reduced fasting blood glucose or HbA1c but alleviated the development of diabetic nephropathy. In PTUPB-treated obese ZSF1 rats, glomerular nephrin expression was preserved. Enalapril also alleviated diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic renal injury in obese ZSF1 rats was accompanied by renal inflammation with six to sevenfold higher urinary MCP-1 (CCR2) level and renal infiltration of CD-68 positive cells. PTUPB and enalapril significantly reduced urinary MCP-1 levels and renal mRNA expression of cytokines. Both PTUPB and enalapril lowered blood pressure. PTUPB but not enalapril decreased hyperlipidaemia and liver injury in obese ZSF1 rats.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Overall, the dual modulator PTUPB does not treat hyperglycaemia but can effectively alleviate hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, hyperlipidaemia and liver injury in type 2 diabetic rats. Our data further demonstrate that the renal actions of PTUPB are comparable with a current standard diabetic nephropathy treatment.

Celecoxib exhibits therapeutic potential in experimental model of hyperlipidaemia

Hyperlipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally. Celecoxib attenuated hypercholesterolaemia associated with CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats without improving liver function in our previous study. This present study investigated the lipid lowering potential of celecoxib in normal rats fed with coconut oil subjected to five deep-frying episodes. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to groups (n = 6 rats/group) which received physiological saline (10 mL/kg), unheated coconut oil (UO, 10 mL/kg) or heated coconut oil (HO, 10 ml/kg) for 60 days. Groups that received HO were subsequently treated with either physiological saline, atorvastatin (25 mg/kg), celecoxib (5 mg/kg) or celecoxib (10 mg/kg) in the last fifteen days of the experiment. Rats were sacrificed 24 hours after last treatment and blood and tissue samples collected for analysis. HO consumption produced significant hyperlipidaemia and elevation in marker enzymes of hepatic function. Celecoxib ameliorated the hyperlipidaemia as shown by the significantly (P<0.05) lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, low and very low density lipoprotein in the celecoxib-treated rats when compared with HO-fed rats that received saline. Celecoxib also reduced (P<0.05) alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and liver weight of hyperlipidaemic rats. Similarly, hepatocellular damage with the hyperlipidaemia was significantly reversed by celecoxib. However, serum TNF-α and IL-6 did not change significantly between the various groups. Taken together, data from this study suggest that celecoxib may exert therapeutic benefit in hyperlipidaemia and its attendant consequences.

Design of Multifaceted Antioxidants: Shifting towards Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperlipidemic Activity

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two conditions that coexist in many multifactorial diseases such as atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration. Thus, the design of multifunctional compounds that can concurrently tackle two or more therapeutic targets is an appealing approach. In this study, the basic NSAID structure was fused with the antioxidant moieties 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (BHB), its reduced alcohol 3,5-di-tert-butyl- 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (BHBA), or 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), a hydrophilic analogue of α-tocopherol. Machine learning algorithms were utilized to validate the potential dual effect (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) of the designed analogues. Derivatives 1–17 were synthesized by known esterification methods, with good to excellent yields, and were pharmacologically evaluated both in vitro and in vivo for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, whereas selected compounds were also tested in an in vivo hyperlipidemia protocol. Furthermore, the activity/binding affinity of the new compounds for lipoxygenase-3 (LOX-3) was studied not only in vitro but also via molecular docking simulations. Experimental results demonstrated that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the new fused molecules were increased compared to the parent molecules, while molecular docking simulations validated the improved activity and revealed the binding mode of the most potent inhibitors. The purpose of their design was justified by providing a potentially safer and more efficient therapeutic approach for multifactorial diseases.

Gender-specific changes in energy metabolism and protein degradation as major pathways affected in livers of mice treated with ibuprofen

Ibuprofen, an inhibitor of prostanoid biosynthesis, is a common pharmacological agent used for the management of pain, inflammation and fever. However, the chronic use of ibuprofen at high doses is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal and liver injuries. The underlying mechanisms of ibuprofen-mediated effects on liver remain unclear. To determine the mechanisms and signaling pathways affected by ibuprofen (100 mg/kg/day for seven days), we performed proteomic profiling of male mice liver with quantitative liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using ten-plex tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling. More than 300 proteins were significantly altered between the control and ibuprofen-treated groups. The data suggests that several major pathways including (1) energy metabolism, (2) protein degradation, (3) fatty acid metabolism and (4) antioxidant system are altered in livers from ibuprofen treated mice. Independent validation of protein changes in energy metabolism and the antioxidant system was carried out by Western blotting and showed sex-related differences. Proteasome and immunoproteasome activity/expression assays showed ibuprofen induced gender-specific proteasome and immunoproteasome dysfunction in liver. The study observed multifactorial gender-specific ibuprofen-mediated effects on mice liver and suggests that males and females are affected differently by ibuprofen.

Morin reduces inflammatory responses and alleviates lipid accumulation in hepatocytes

Morin (MO), a natural bioflavinoid, exists in many herbs. Previous studies have acclaimed MO's anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antifibrotic, anticancer, and antihyperglycemic biological effects. This study aimed to assess the molecular mechanism of MO involved in the oleic acid (OA)-induced inflammatory damage and lipid accumulation in HepG2 cell and tyloxapol (Ty)-induced hyperlipidemia in mice. We found that MO can efficaciously mitigate reactive tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level and triglyceride (TG) accumulation in OA-induced HepG2 cell and in tyloxapol-induced mice. Next, the study testified that MO apparently suppressed OA-excited nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in HepG2 cell. In addition, MO distinctly upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and decreased the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) in OA-induced HepG2 cell and in tyloxapol-induced mice, both of which are dependent upon the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase B (AKT). In conclusion, these results suggest that MO has protective potential against hyperlipidemia and steatosis, and the potential mechanism may have a close relation with activation of PPARα and inhibition of SREBP-1c.

Magnolol Alleviates Inflammatory Responses and Lipid Accumulation by AMP-Activated Protein Kinase-Dependent Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Activation

Magnolol (MG) is a kind of lignin isolated from Magnolia officinalis, which serves several different biological functions, such as antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective functions. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of MG against oleic acid (OA)-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammatory damage in HepG2 cells and in a tyloxapol (Ty)-induced hyperlipidemia mouse model. Our findings indicated that MG can effectively inhibit OA-stimulated tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secretion, reactive oxygen species generation, and triglyceride (TG) accumulation. Further study manifested that MG significantly suppressed OA-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways and that these inflammatory responses can be negated by pretreatment with inhibitors of extracellular regulated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (U0126 and SP600125, respectively). In addition, MG dramatically upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) translocation and reduced sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) protein synthesis and excretion, both of which are dependent upon the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and AKT kinase (AKT). However, MG suspended the activation of PPARα expression and was thus blocked by pretreatment with LY294002 and compound c (specific inhibitors of AKT and AMPK). Furthermore, MG clearly alleviated serum TG and total cholesterol release; upregulated AKT, AMPK, and PPARα expression; suppressed SREBP-1c generation; and alleviated hepatic steatosis and dyslipidemia in Ty-induced hyperlipidemia mice. Taken together, these results suggest that MG exerts protective effects against steatosis, hyperlipidemia, and the underlying mechanism, which may be closely associated with AKT/AMPK/PPARα activation and MAPK/NF-κB/SREBP-1c inhibition.

A dual COX-2/sEH inhibitor improves the metabolic profile and reduces kidney injury in Zucker diabetic fatty rat

Cyclooxygenase (COX) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors have therapeutic potential. The present study investigated efficacy of a novel dual acting COX-2/sEH inhibitor, PTUPB in type 2 diabetic Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. Male ZDF rats were treated with vehicle or PTUPB (10mg/kg/d, i.p.) for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8-week experimental period, ZDF rats were diabetic (fasting blood glucose, 287±45mg/dL) compared to Zucker Diabetic Lean rats (ZDL, 99±6mg/dL), and PTUPB treatment improved glycemic status in ZDF rats (146±6mg/dL). Kidney injury was evident in ZDF compared to ZDL rats with elevated albuminurea (44±4 vs 4±2mg/d) and nephrinurea (496±127 vs 16±4μg/d). Marked renal fibrosis, tubular cast formation and glomerular injury were also present in ZDF compared to ZDL rats. In ZDF rats, PTUPB treatment reduced kidney injury parameters by 30-80% compared to vehicle. The ZDF rats also demonstrated increased inflammation and oxidative stress with elevated levels of urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 excretion (862±300 vs 319±75ng/d), renal macrophage infiltration (53±2 vs 37±4/mm(2)) and kidney malondialdehyde/protein ratio (10±1 vs 5±1μmol/mg). PTUPB treatment decreased these inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the kidney of ZDF rats by 25-57%. These data demonstrate protective actions of a novel dual acting COX-2/sEH inhibitor on the metabolic abnormalities and kidney function in ZDF rat model of type 2 diabetes.

Effects of NSAIDs on the risk factors of colorectal cancer: a mini review

Evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The function of NSAIDs and the molecular targets for chemopreventive effects on CRC have been extensively studied and their data were reported. However, the relation between NSAIDs and the risk factors of CRC have not been fully elucidated yet. Thus, relations between NSAIDs and the risk factors of CRC, such as overweight and obesity, alcohol, aging, hypertriglyceridemia and smoking, are summarized with our data and with recent reported data in this review.

Sesamol treatment reduces plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in mouse models of acute and chronic hyperlipidemia

The active constituents of Sesamum indicum, sesamin and sesamolin, have already been explored for hypolipidemic action. In this study we have explored the anti-dyslipidemic activity of another active component and metabolite of sesamolin (sesamol), by using acute models of hyperlipidemia viz., a fat tolerance test, a tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidemia model and a chronic model of hyperlipidemia viz., a high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia model in Swiss albino mice. Sesamol (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased triacylglycerol absorption in the fat tolerance test by showing a dose-dependent decrease in triacylglycerol levels. The hypolipidemic effect of sesamol at 200 mg/kg was equivalent to 10 mg/kg of orlistat. In the tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidemia model, Sesamol at 200 mg/kg reversed the elevated levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerol compared with the tyloxapol group at 12 and 24 h, which indicates its probable effect on cholesterol synthesis. Chronic hyperlipidemia in mice was produced by feeding a high-diet, a mixture of cholesterol (2 % w/w), cholic acid (1 % w/w) and coconut oil 30 % (v/w) with standard powdered standard animal chow (up to 100 g). Niacin (100 mg/kg) and sesamol (100 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the elevated body weight compared with the high fat diet control group. Elevated levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerol were significantly (P < 0.05) reversed by the sesamol (50 and 100 mg/kg), implying that it might reduce the absorption and increase the excretion of cholesterol as well.

Camphene, a plant-derived monoterpene, reduces plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in hyperlipidemic rats independently of HMG-CoA reductase activity

BACKGROUND

Central to the pathology of coronary heart disease is the accumulation of lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides, within the intima of arterial blood vessels. The search for drugs to treat dislipidemia, remains a major pharmaceutical focus. In this study, we evaluated the hypolipidemic properties of the essential oil from Chios mastic gum (MGO).

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The hypolipidemic effect of MGO was investigated in naïve as well as in rats susceptible to detergent-induced hyperlipidemia. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were determined using commercial kits. HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase activity was measured in HepG2 cell extracts using a radioactive assay; cellular cholesterol and cholesterol esters were assessed using gas chromatography. MGO administration into naïve rats resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the constitutive synthesis of serum cholesterol and triglycerides. In hyperlipidemic rats, MGO treatment had also a strong hypolipidemic effect. By testing various components of MGO, we show for the first time that the hypolipidemic action is associated with camphene. Administration of camphene at a dose of 30 µg/gr of body weight in hyperlipidemic rats resulted in a 54.5% reduction of total cholesterol (p<0.001), 54% of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p<0.001) and 34.5% of triglycerides (p<0.001). Treatment of HepG2 cells with camphene led to a decrease in cellular cholesterol content to the same extend as mevinolin, a known HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. The hypolipidemic action of camphene is independent of HMG-CoA reductase activity, suggesting that its hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects are associated with a mechanism of action different than that of statins.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the critical role that the control of hyperlipidemia plays in cardiovascular disease, the results of our study provide insights into the use of camphene as an alternative lipid lowering agent and merits further evaluation.

Modulatory effects of rutin on biochemical and hematological parameters in hypercholesterolemic Golden Syrian hamsters

Flavonoids have been reported to exhibit several pharmacological properties, mainly in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we observed that rutin, a known glycosylated flavonoid isolated from Dimorphandra mollis, had a lowering effect on plasma triglyceride levels of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic Golden Syrian hamsters, but did not change total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moreover, high-fat or rutin supplemented diets showed no immunotoxic effects, since no significant changes were observed on total white blood cells, granulocytes and mononuclear cells, as well as on the neutrophil apoptosis degree, when compared to untreated animals. Therefore, rutin seems to be a selective and non-toxic modulator of hypercholesterolemia, which can be promising for the development of new drugs.

Beneficial effects of diclofenac therapy on serum lipids, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and antioxidant defenses in rats

To study the effects of diclofenac, a nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on lipid profile, oxidized low-density-lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), serum antioxidant defenses and markers of oxidative stress, male Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n=10): (C) receiving intramuscularly a single daily dose of saline (NaCl 0.9%), and (AI) receiving intramuscularly a single daily dose of 10 mg/kg diclofenac sodium (C14H10Cl2NNaO2). After 28 days diclofenac-treated rats had lower Ox-LDL, apoprotein B (apo-B), apo-B/LDL-cholesterol and lipid hydroperoxide than C. Total antioxidant substances and superoxide dismutase were increased in diclofenac-treated rats, while no significant changes were observed in catalase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide. A perincubation test done to examine the possibility of mechanism-based activation showed that diclofenac had no effect on maximal superoxide dismutase velocity, but significantly reduced the Michaelis-Menten (KM) constant, indicating that diclofenac induced SOD activation increasing substrate linkage affinity to the enzyme-catalytic site. In conclusion, diclofenac had beneficial effects decreasing Ox-LDL and improving antioxidant defense. It appears that the application of this agent may be feasible and beneficial for serum antioxidant protection, which certainly would bring new insights on dyslipidemia control.

Drugs to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Relationship between Current Use and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Objectives

Cardiovascular risk is increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Drugs used to treat SLE can modify traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We examined the effect of selected drugs used in the treatment of SLE on cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

We compared systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum lipid concentrations, glucose, homocysteine, and urinary F₂-isoprostane concentrations in 99 patients with lupus who were either current users or non-users of systemic corticosteroids, antimalarials, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), COX-2 selective NSAIDs, azathioprine, and methotrexate. Multivariable adjustment was done with linear regression modeling using sex, age and disease activity (SLEDAI) as controlling variables.

Results

Serum triglyceride concentrations were higher (135.1 ± 61.4 vs. 95.3 ± 47.5 mg/dL, adjusted P = 0.003) in patients receiving corticosteroids. Homocysteine concentrations were marginally higher in patients receiving methotrexate (adjusted P = 0.08). Current use of either NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors was not associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors. Current hydroxychloroquine use was not associated with significant alterations in lipid profiles.

Conclusions

In a non-random sample of patients with SLE, current corticosteroid use was associated with increased triglyceride concentrations, but other drugs had little effect on traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

A procedure for inducing sustained hyperlipemia in rats by administration of a surfactant

Tyloxapol (Triton WR 1339) is a non-ionic detergent that inhibits lipoprotein lipase and thereby raises levels of serum lipids. It is used frequently for acute studies on lipids in rats but not for subacute or chronic studies. In the present work, we found that tyloxapol must be injected intravenously three times each week in order to have high and sustained levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. These results make it possible to extend the use of tyloxapol into chronic studies of hyperlipemia and vascular disease.

Design and study of some novel ibuprofen derivatives with potential nootropic and neuroprotective properties

Six novel ibuprofen derivatives and related structures, incorporating a proline moiety and designed for neurodegenerative disorders, are studied. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and three of them inhibited lipoxygenase. One compound was found to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 production in spleenocytes from arthritic rats. The HS-containing compounds are potent antioxidants and one of them protected against glutathione loss after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. They demonstrated lipid-lowering ability and seem to acquire low gastrointestinal toxicity. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, found in two of these compounds, may be an asset to their actions.

Convergence of genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease on the cerebral cholesterol shuttle: APP, cholesterol, lipoproteins, and atherosclerosis

Polymorphic genes associated with Alzheimer's disease (see ) delineate a clearly defined pathway related to cerebral and peripheral cholesterol and lipoprotein homoeostasis. They include all of the key components of a glia/neurone cholesterol shuttle including cholesterol binding lipoproteins APOA1, APOA4, APOC1, APOC2, APOC3, APOD, APOE and LPA, cholesterol transporters ABCA1, ABCA2, lipoprotein receptors LDLR, LRP1, LRP8 and VLDLR, and the cholesterol metabolising enzymes CYP46A1 and CH25H, whose oxysterol products activate the liver X receptor NR1H2 and are metabolised to esters by SOAT1. LIPA metabolises cholesterol esters, which are transported by the cholesteryl ester transport protein CETP. The transcription factor SREBF1 controls the expression of most enzymes of cholesterol synthesis. APP is involved in this shuttle as it metabolises cholesterol to 7-betahydroxycholesterol, a substrate of SOAT1 and HSD11B1, binds to APOE and is tethered to LRP1 via APPB1, APBB2 and APBB3 at the cytoplasmic domain and via LRPAP1 at the extracellular domain. APP cleavage products are also able to prevent cholesterol binding to APOE. BACE cleaves both APP and LRP1. Gamma-secretase (PSEN1, PSEN2, NCSTN) cleaves LRP1 and LRP8 as well as APP and their degradation products control transcription factor TFCP2, which regulates thymidylate synthase (TS) and GSK3B expression. GSK3B is known to phosphorylate the microtubule protein tau (MAPT). Dysfunction of this cascade, carved out by genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease, may play a major role in its pathology. Many other genes associated with Alzheimer's disease affect cholesterol or lipoprotein function and/or have also been implicated in atherosclerosis, a feature of Alzheimer's disease, and this duality may well explain the close links between vascular and cerebral pathology in Alzheimer's disease. The definition of many of these genes as risk factors is highly contested. However, when polymorphic susceptibility genes belong to the same signaling pathway, the risk associated with multigenic disease is better related to the integrated effects of multiple polymorphisms of genes within the same pathway than to variants in any single gene [Wu, X., Gu, J., Grossman, H.B., Amos, C.I., Etzel, C., Huang, M., Zhang, Q., Millikan, R.E., Lerner, S., Dinney, C.P., Spitz, M.R., 2006. Bladder cancer predisposition: a multigenic approach to DNA-repair and cell-cycle-control genes. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 78, 464-479.]. Thus, the fact that Alzheimer's disease susceptibility genes converge on a clearly defined signaling network has important implications for genetic association studies.

It is likely that the risk of cardiovascular events from pharmaceuticals as COX-2 inhibitors can be reduced significantly by standard pharmaceutical and lifestyle preventative measures

Based on the principles of the altered homeostatic theory, a case will be made that the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events from pharmaceuticals as COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) and sympatho-mimetic drugs can be reduced significantly by using standard pharmaceutical and lifestyle preventative measures as statins, exercise, a proper diet, and weight and stress reduction. The standard method of preventing CV events from coxibs, the prototypical pharmaceuticals which induce CV events, is not overly helpful; this method is based essentially on limitation of coxibs to low risk individuals, and to low dose and short term usage. Use of standard preventative measures apparently had not been considered because coxib-induced CV events are regarded as "special" as they are attributed to thromboxane. "Regular" CV events are attributed basically to dyslipidemia, and standard preventative measures are designed to improve dyslipidemia; therefore, it probably has been assumed that standard therapy for "regular" CV events would not be applicable to coxib-induced infarctions. In contrast, the altered homeostatic theory treats pharmaceuticals which induce CV events as "regular" risk factors which induce "regular" CV events. Therefore, "regular" preventative measures as exercise and statins should reduce the incidence of pharmaceutical-induced CV events. The critical issue is the mechanism of CV events. Thrombosis is the accepted and vasoconstriction (spasm of resistance vessels) is a proposed mechanism for CV events, and thrombosis and/or vasoconstriction (thrombosis/vasoconstriction) is regarded as the direct mechanism of CV events. Multiple and diverse "regular" risk factors express thrombosis/vasoconstriction, and multiple and diverse pharmaceutical and lifestyle preventative measures express anti-thrombosis/vasodilation. Risk and preventative factors are considered to operate in a dynamic balance; dominance of thrombosis/vasoconstriction favors development of CV events, and dominance of anti-thrombosis/vasodilation favors prevention of CV events. Thromboxane, and thus coxibs, and sympatho-mimetic drugs also express thrombosis/vasoconstriction; it is this expression which makes pharmaceuticals "regular" risk factors which induce "regular" CV events. It is assumed that all pharmaceuticals which induce CV events express thrombosis/vasoconstriction; thrombosis/vasoconstriction is the obvious mechanism for CV events from any source, and expression of thrombosis/vasoconstriction by multiple and diverse "regular" risk factors is supportive. Just as standard pharmaceutical and lifestyle preventative agent significantly reduce the risk of "regular" CV events, such measures should significantly reduce the risk of pharmaceuticals which favor CV events; protection is effected by shifting the overall balance between thrombosis/vasoconstriction and anti-thrombosis/vasodilation beneficially towards dominance of anti-thrombosis/vasodilation.

Synthesis and pharmacochemical study of novel polyfunctional molecules combining anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypocholesterolemic properties

We have designed and synthesized a series of novel molecules having a residue of a classical NSAID and an antioxidant moiety, both attached through amide bonds to a known nootropic structure, an L-proline, trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline or DL-pipecolinic acid residue. The compounds were found to retain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, to acquire hypocholesterolemic action, and to possess a greatly reduced gastrointestinal toxicity. The novel molecules could find useful applications, among others, in slowing the progression or delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of amide conjugates of NSAIDs with L-cysteine ethyl ester, combining potent antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties with significantly reduced gastrointestinal toxicity

The synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of amide derivatives of NSAIDs with L-cysteine ethyl ester is described. The novel derivatives are potent antiinflammatory, antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic-hypolipidemic agents, while they demonstrate considerably reduced gastrointestinal toxicity. This molecular modification may offer a general route to safer antiinflammatory agents, potentially suitable for chronic use in conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders.