Lipid lowering agents of natural origin: An account of some promising chemotypes

The effect of highly bioavailable forms of curcumin on lipoprotein(a) plasma levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical studies

Curcumin is a bioactive compound derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) that has garnered increasing attention for its potential health benefits. However, its use in clinical practice is limited due to its generally poor bioavailability. This issue can be overcome using novel delivery systems that enhance curcumin's solubility, extend its residence time in plasma, improve its pharmacokinetic profile, and increase its cellular uptake. Novel curcumin formulations with improved bioavailability have been suggested to elevate plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), but there is no definitive evidence of a causal relationship. To address this, a systematic literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases to identify relevant randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies published without a time limit. A meta-analysis of data suggested that dietary supplementation with highly bioavailable forms of curcumin significantly reduces Lp(a) levels [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD)= -0.96 (95 % Confidence Interval (CI): -1.82, -0.11)]. The effect size was robust in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis and was not primarily driven by any single study. Of course, the clinical significance of this observation should be more thoroughly evaluated in longer-term trials, where the combined metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin have vascular protective effects.

Phytyl Phenolipids: Structurally Modified Antioxidants with Superior Lipid Membrane Interaction

A set of procedures was developed for the simple synthesis of phytyl phenolipids, which resulted in high yields (70-95%) of phytyl esters of caffeic, protocatechuic, homoprotocatechuic, and dihydrocaffeic acids. Initial characterization revealed that these new compounds exhibited similar radical scavenging activity and liposolubility to α-tocopherol, a key antioxidant present in membranes. Cyclic voltammetry analysis indicated that the phytyl derivatives had lower anodic peak potentials compared to the original phenolic acids, with electron transfer following an adsorption-controlled mechanism. In phosphatidylcholine large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs), phytyl esters demonstrated remarkable efficiency in preventing liposome autoxidation when compared to α-tocopherol. Despite their strong radical scavenging capacity and membrane penetration ability, the antioxidant effectiveness of the phytyl esters in liposomes was influenced by the structure of their polyphenolic moiety. These new compounds are considered promising candidates for future pharmacological applications against oxidative stress in lipoproteins and cells, warranting further evaluation of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in cellular models and in vivo.

Deciphering agronomic traits, biochemical components, and color in unique green-seeded fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) genotypes

Fenugreek is a high-value legume known for its potential to enhance human health and combat a variety of diseases and metabolic disorders. This versatile crop has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in managing obesity, diabetes, cancer, and poor metabolism conditions that have become major global health concerns. Despite the availability of multiple pharmaceutical remedies for these ailments in the market, often times the heavy chemical doses are accompanied by side effects on human body. To investigate the agronomic traits, medicinal potential, and color of fenugreek seeds, this study was conducted and identified fenugreek genotypes with green seed color (GSF1 to GSF10), which can prevent the progression of aforementioned diseases without the hassle of side effects. Ten unique green-seeded fenugreek (GSF) genotypes were compared with five released varieties (yellow-seeded fenugreek; YSF1 to YSF5) as check. The genotypes were assessed during rabi season for 3 consecutive years (2021-22 to 2023-24) in semi-arid Eastern Plain Zone of Rajasthan, India. The findings exhibited that agronomically GSF performed well, almost at par with the YSF. Harvest index (23.21 ± 0.37%) is higher in GSF with very marginal differences in other agronomic traits. The medicinal potential of the GSF showed that GSF6 has nearly 1.5 to 2 times higher insulinotropic 4-hydroxyisoleucine (0.90%) levels compared to the YSF genotypes. This unique non-protein branched amino acid is found in fenugreek seeds. GSF1 has a high concentration of chlorophyll (0.45 mg/100 g), GSF10 has low diosgenin and high 4-OHIle (261.80 mg/100 g and 0.85%, respectively), and GSF9 has low total soluble sugars (TSS; 3.50%). Oil content, phenols, and proteins were found to be higher in GSF making it preferable over YSF. The study further revealed that darkness of green color in the seed is directly related to its chlorophyll content and is directly associated with higher content of 4-OHIle and lower TSS. Among the studied genotypes, harvest index is higher in green-seeded genotypes with maximum seed yield (2473.74 Kg/ha) in genotype GSF8. The superior genotypes GSF1, GSF6, GSF8, GSF9, and GSF10 developed in the study hold potential for future breeding initiatives, aimed at boosting medicinal value, nutritional quality, and productivity.

Sepsis after middle cerebral artery occlusion exacerbates peripheral oxidative stress in a sex-specific manner

Ischemic stroke occurs due a blockage in the blood flow to the brain, leading to damage to the nervous system. The prevalent morbidities resulting from stroke include post-stroke infection, as sepsis. Additionally, oxidative stress is recognized for inducing functional deficits in peripheral organs during sepsis. Therefore, sex differences in stroke exist and we aimed to investigate the peripheral oxidative stress caused by sepsis after stroke in male and female rats. Wistar rats (male and female) were divided into sham+sham, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) + sham, sham+ cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) and MCAO+CLP groups to males and female rats. Animals were subjected to MCAO or sham and after 7 days, were subjected to sepsis by CLP or sham. After 24 h, serum, total brain, lung, liver, heart, and spleen were collected. Brain edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitrite/nitrate (N/N) concentration, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, and catalase activity were evaluated. Brain edema was observed only in male rats in MCAO+CLP group compared to MCAO+sham. Regarding MPO activity, an increase was verified in male in different organs and serum in MCAO+CLP group. For N/N levels, the increase was more pronounced in females submitted to MCAO+CLP. In general, to oxidative stress, an increase was only observed in animals exposed to MCAO+CLP, or with a greater increase in this group compared to the others. The findings provided the first indication that animals exposed to MCAO exhibit a heightened vulnerability to the harmful impacts of sepsis, as evidenced by brain edema and peripheral oxidative stress, and this susceptibility is dependent of sex.

Review on toxicology and activity of tomato glycoalkaloids in immature tomatoes

Owing to the lack of selection and limited intelligence in mechanical picking, some immature tomatoes that contain alkaloids are thrown away. Tomatine alkaloids are steroidal alkaloids naturally present in Solanaceae plants, which are distributed in small amounts in immature tomato fruits and decrease as the fruits ripen. Tomato glycoalkaloids are harmful to human health. However, in small quantities, there is some evidence that these compounds might be beneficial, as other non-antioxidant bioactivities. This article considers recent research on the biological effects of tomato glycoalkaloids in immature tomatoes, providing reference value for the potential development of these compounds.

Cholesterol-rich lysosomes induced by respiratory syncytial virus promote viral replication by blocking autophagy flux

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hijacks cholesterol or autophagy pathways to facilitate optimal replication. However, our understanding of the associated molecular mechanisms remains limited. Here, we show that RSV infection blocks cholesterol transport from lysosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum by downregulating the activity of lysosomal acid lipase, activates the SREBP2-LDLR axis, and promotes uptake and accumulation of exogenous cholesterol in lysosomes. High cholesterol levels impair the VAP-A-binding activity of ORP1L and promote the recruitment of dynein-dynactin, PLEKHM1, or HOPS VPS39 to Rab7-RILP, thereby facilitating minus-end transport of autophagosomes and autolysosome formation. Acidification inhibition and dysfunction of cholesterol-rich lysosomes impair autophagy flux by inhibiting autolysosome degradation, which promotes the accumulation of RSV fusion protein. RSV-F storage is nearly abolished after cholesterol depletion or knockdown of LDLR. Most importantly, the knockout of LDLR effectively inhibits RSV infection in vivo. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanism of how RSV co-regulates lysosomal cholesterol reprogramming and autophagy and reveal LDLR as a novel target for anti-RSV drug development.

Comparative study of Lepidium sativum orally administered seeds, hydrogel and atorvastatin on obesity of rats fed on a high fat diet

BACKGROUND

Obesity has become a prevalent issue worldwide, leading to various complications such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Statins, as FDA approved anti-hyperlipidemic drugs, still pose some concerns upon their administration. Recently, researchers have looked for natural products as an alternative to manage hyperlipidemia and obesity.

AIM

This work aimed to study the hypolipidemic effect of Lepidium sativum garden cress (GC) from different preparations; orally administered seeds, and hydrogel, in comparison to atorvastatin.

METHODS

GC hydrogel was prepared from the GC aqueous extract and pharmaceutically evaluated for its pH, spreadability, seeds content, homogeneity, rheology, and in vitro release. The rat's body weight, blood glucose levels, total lipid profile, and liver biomarkers were evaluated on obese rats for one month. In addition, the histopathology study was also performed.

RESULTS

GC hydrogel had acceptable pharmaceutical properties and showed a sustained release performance over 24 h. Oral and topical GC significantly reduced the lipid profiles, blood sugar and ALT, AST levels more than the negative control group and comparable to atorvastatin. It was found that oral GC showed a significant effect on the percentage decrease in the rat's body weight than the applied hydrogel. Histopathology study revealed a better outcome in the histological structure of pancreas and liver compared with rats feed on high fat diet post-treatment for one month.

CONCLUSION

GC orally administered, or topically applied hydrogel could be a promising, safe alternative formulation to atorvastatin in managing hyperlipidemia and normalizing body weight of obese rats.

A comparative study of the hypolipidemic effects and mechanisms of action of Laminaria japonica- and Ascophyllum nodosum-derived fucoidans in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

The structural characteristics of fucoidans exhibit species and regional diversity. Previous studies have demonstrated that Laminaria japonica- and Ascophyllum nodosum-derived fucoidans have type I and type II fucosyl chains, respectively. These chemical differences may contribute to distinct hypolipidemic effects and mechanisms of action. Chemical analysis demonstrated that the percentage contents of sulfate, glucuronic acid, and galactose were higher in L. japonica-derived fucoidans than those of A. nodosum-derived fucoidans. In hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, both A. nodosum- and L. japonica-derived fucoidans significantly decreased the plasma and hepatic levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, leading to the reduction of atherosclerotic plaques. Western blotting experiments demonstrated that these fucoidans significantly enhanced the expression and levels of scavenger receptor B type 1, cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase A1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, contributing to circulating lipoprotein clearance and fatty acid degradation, respectively. Differentially, L. japonica-derived fucoidan significantly increased the LXR/ATP-binding cassette G8 signaling pathway in the small intestine, as revealed by real-time quantitative PCR, which may lead to further cholesterol and other lipid excretion. Collectively, these data are useful for understanding the hypolipidemic mechanisms of action of seaweed-derived fucoidans, and their potential application for the prevention and/or treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Berberine attenuates brain aging via stabilizing redox homeostasis and inflammation in an accelerated senescence model of Wistar rats

Aging is a multifaceted and progressive physiological change of the organism categorized by the accumulation of deteriorating processes, which ultimately compromise the biological functions. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-aging potential of berberine (BBR) in D-galactose (D-Gal) induced aging in rat models. In this study, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: The control group was given only vehicle, the BBR group was treated with berberine orally, the D-Gal group was treated with D-galactose subcutaneously and the BBR + D-Gal group was treated with D-galactose and berberine simultaneously. D-galactose exposure elevated the pro-oxidants such as malondialdehyde (MDA) level, protein carbonyl and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in the brain. It decreased the anti-oxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) in the brain. D-galactose treatment also reduced the mitochondrial complexes (I, II, III and IV) activities and elevated the inflammatory markers such as interleukine-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The mRNA expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α in the brain were upregulated following D-galactose exposure. Berberine co-treatment in D-galactose induced aging rat model prevented the alteration of pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant in the brain. Berberine treatment restored the mitochondrial complex activities in the brain and also normalized the inflammatory markers. Based on these findings we conclude that berberine treatment has the potential to mitigate brain aging in rats via stabilizing the redox equilibrium and neuroinflammation.

Sesquilignans: Current research and potential prospective

Lignans are widely distributed in nature, primarily found in the xylem and resins of plants, with the constituent units C6-C3, and their dimers are the most common in plants. In recent years, the trimeric sesquilignans have also received increasing attention from scholars. More than 200 derivatives have been isolated and identified from nearly 50 families, most of which are different types (monoepoxy lignans, bisepoxy lignans, benzofuran lignans) connected with simple phenylpropanoids through ether bonds, C-C bonds, and oxygen-containing rings to constitute sesquilignans. Some of them also possess pharmacological properties, including antioxidants, hepatoprotectives, antitumors, anti-inflammatory properties, and other properties. In addition, the chemical structure of sesquilignans is closely related to the pharmacological activity, and chemical modification of methoxylation enhances the pharmacological activity. In contrast, phenolic hydroxyl and hydroxyl glycosides reduce the pharmacological activity. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize the chemical diversity, bioactivities, and constitutive relationships to provide a theoretical basis for the more profound development and utilization of sesquilignans.

The Beneficial Effects of Curcumin on Lipids: Possible Effects on Dyslipidemia-induced Cardiovascular Complications

Dyslipidemia and altered lipid metabolism are closely involved in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation of many metabolic and non-metabolic diseases. Therefore, mitigation of pharmacological and nutritional factors together with lifestyle modifications is paramount. One potential nutraceutical exhibiting cell signaling and lipid-modulating properties implicated in dyslipidemias is curcumin. Specifically, recent evidence suggest that curcumin may improve lipid metabolism and prevent dyslipidemia-induced cardiovascular complications via several pathways. Although the exact molecular mechanisms involved are not well understood, the evidence presented in this review suggests that curcumin can provide significant lipid benefits via modulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis, and prevention or reduction of lipid peroxidation and lipotoxicity via different molecular pathways. Curcumin can also improve the lipid profile and reduce dyslipidemia- dependent cardiovascular problems by impacting important mechanisms of fatty acid oxidation, lipid absorption, and cholesterol metabolism. Although only limited direct supporting evidence is available, in this review we assess the available knowledge regarding the possible nutraceutical effects of curcumin on lipid homeostasis and its possible impacts on dyslipidemic cardiovascular events from a mechanistic viewpoint.

A review of the role of liposome-encapsulated phytochemicals targeting PPAR Ɣ and associated pathways to combat obesity

A limited number of studies have directly examined the effects of liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals and their anti-obesity effects in adults. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on the effect of liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals and their role in regulating major pathways involved in the anti-obesity mechanism. A systematic search was performed using several search engines like Science Direct, Google Scholar, and other online journals, focusing on laboratory research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and meta-analysis that focused on liposomal encapsulated phytochemicals with anti-obesity properties, and followed the preferred reporting terms for this systematic review. An initial search provided a result of 1810 articles, and 93 papers were selected after the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Very few studies have been conducted on the liposomal encapsulation of phytochemicals or its synergistic study to combat obesity; hence this review paves the way for future obesity research and is mainly helpful for the pediatric obesity population. Liposomal encapsulation of phytochemicals has improved the efficiency of freely administered phytochemicals. Targeted delivery improved drug utilization and regulated the anti-obesity pathways. PPARƔ is a major therapeutic target for obesity as it inhibits adipocyte differentiation and maintains energy homeostasis.

Pharmaceutical Food Science: Search for Bio-Functional Molecules Obtained from Natural Resources to Prevent and Ameliorate Lifestyle Diseases

In this review, our resent pharmaceutical food science research for bio-functional molecules obtained from natural resources that contribute to i) suppression of postprandial blood glucose elevation and/or improvement of glucose tolerance and ii) reduction of visceral fat accumulation and improvement of lipid metabolism were summarized. Based on studies using MONOTORI science, salacinol (1), neokotalanol (4), and trans-tiliroside (20) have been approved or notified by the Consumer Affairs Agency in Japan as functional substances in food with health claims, Food for Specified Health Use and Food with Functional Claims.

The Biomedical Importance of the Missing Pathway for Farnesol and Geranylgeraniol Salvage

Isoprenoids are the output of the polymerization of five-carbon, branched isoprenic chains derived from isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and its isomer, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP). Isoprene units are consecutively condensed to form longer structures such as farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (FPP and GGPP, respectively), necessary for the biosynthesis of several metabolites. Polyprenyl transferases and synthases use polyprenyl pyrophosphates as their natural substrates; however, it is known that free polyprenols, such as farnesol (FOH), and geranylgeraniol (GGOH) can be incorporated into prenylated proteins, ubiquinone, cholesterol, and dolichols. Furthermore, FOH and GGOH have been shown to block the effects of isoprenoid biosynthesis inhibitors such as fosmidomycin, bisphosphonates, or statins in several organisms. This phenomenon is the consequence of a short pathway, which was observed for the first time more than 25 years ago: the polyprenol salvage pathway, which works via the phosphorylation of FOH and GGOH. Biochemical studies in bacteria, animals, and plants suggest that this pathway can be carried out by two enzymes: a polyprenol kinase and a polyprenyl-phosphate kinase. However, to date, only a few genes have been unequivocally identified to encode these enzymes in photosynthetic organisms. Nevertheless, pieces of evidence for the importance of this pathway abound in studies related to infectious diseases, cancer, dyslipidemias, and nutrition, and to the mitigation of the secondary effects of several drugs. Furthermore, nowadays it is known that both FOH and GGOH can be incorporated via dietary sources that produce various biological effects. This review presents, in a simplified but comprehensive manner, the most important data on the FOH and GGOH salvage pathway, stressing its biomedical importance The main objective of this review is to bring to light the need to discover and characterize the kinases associated with the isoprenoid salvage pathway in animals and pathogens.

In vitro determination of anti-lipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties and proximate composition of range of millet types and sorghum varieties in Sri Lanka

Methanolic extracts of whole grains of five millet types and two sorghum varieties were evaluated for anti-lipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and a range of anti-oxidant properties in vitro (n = 3 each). Furthermore, proximate composition (n = 3 each) was also studied. Results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the selected samples for studied parameters. Pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase inhibitory activities of selected samples (2 mg/ml) ranged from 21.16 ± 1.58 to 66.65 ± 3.30 and 17.43 ± 0.60 to 52.09 ± 1.61%, respectively. Nitric oxide inhibitory activity of selected samples (2 mg/ml) ranged from −1.17 ± 0.32 to 13.56 ± 0.93%. Total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total proanthocyanidin content (TPAC) were in the range of 0.19 ± 0.01–12.50 ± 0.87 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, 0.05 ± 0.00–1.57 ± 0.01 mg quercetin equivalents/g, and 0.35 ± 0.01–12.87 ± 0.25 mg cyaniding equivalents/g of samples, respectively. Ferric reducing anti-oxidant power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ferrous ion chelating activity, and ABTS and DPPH anti-oxidant properties ranged from 0.15 ± 0.00 to 4.56 ± 0.03 mg of Trolox equivalents (TEs)/g, 0.19 ± 0.01 to 8.50 ± 0.72 mg of TEs/g, 0.13 ± 0.00 to 0.79 ± 0.03 mg EDTA equivalents/g, 0.22 ± 0.00 to 25.57 ± 0.35 mg of TEs/g, and 0.07 ± 0.00 to 22.97 ± 0.83 mg of TEs/g of samples, respectively. Among the studied samples, pigmented sweet sorghum exhibited the highest activities for all the tested parameters. The observed activities were moderate compared to the reference standards used. The highest values for proximate composition parameters tested varied with the different samples studied. In conclusion, the consumption of especially pigmented millet and sorghum in Sri Lanka may play an important role in the prevention and management of oxidative stress–associated chronic diseases. This is the first study to report pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase inhibitory activities of any millet types and sorghum varieties in Sri Lanka and the first report of cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity of millet and sorghum the world over.

Sea cucumber-derived compounds for treatment of dyslipidemia: A review

Dyslipidemias are disorders of plasma levels of lipids, such as elevated levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, that are associated with various human diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Statins are the first-line drugs for treatment of dyslipidemia. However, a substantial proportion of patients cannot reach the recommended LDL-c level even with the highest tolerated doses of statins, and there is no available drug specifically for NAFLD therapy. Sea cucumbers are one of the widely distributed invertebrates, and are an important resource of food and medicine. Sea cucumbers have many valuable nutrients including saponins, fatty acids, phospholipids, cerebrosides, sulfated polysaccharides, as well as proteins and peptides. In recent years, these natural products derived from sea cucumbers have attracted attentions for treatment of CVD and NAFLD because of their lipid-lowering effect and low toxicity. However, the hypolipidemic mechanisms of action and the structure-activity relationship of these bioactive components have not been well-documented in literature. This review article summarizes the signaling pathways and the potential structure-activity relationship of sea cucumber-derived bioactive compounds including saponins, lipids, carbohydrates as well as peptides and proteins. This article will provide information useful for the development of sea cucumber-derived lipid-lowering compounds as well as for investigation of hypolipidemic compounds that are derived from other natural resources.

Natural Products Targeting Liver X Receptors or Farnesoid X Receptor

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors induced by ligands and also function as integrators of hormonal and nutritional signals. Among NRs, the liver X receptors (LXRs) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) have been of significance as targets for the treatment of metabolic syndrome-related diseases. In recent years, natural products targeting LXRs and FXR have received remarkable interests as a valuable source of novel ligands encompassing diverse chemical structures and bioactive properties. This review aims to survey natural products, originating from terrestrial plants and microorganisms, marine organisms, and marine-derived microorganisms, which could influence LXRs and FXR. In the recent two decades (2000-2020), 261 natural products were discovered from natural resources such as LXRs/FXR modulators, 109 agonists and 38 antagonists targeting LXRs, and 72 agonists and 55 antagonists targeting FXR. The docking evaluation of desired natural products targeted LXRs/FXR is finally discussed. This comprehensive overview will provide a reference for future study of novel LXRs and FXR agonists and antagonists to target human diseases, and attract an increasing number of professional scholars majoring in pharmacy and biology with more in-depth discussion.

Potential Role of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious cause of disability and death among young and adult individuals, displaying complex pathophysiology including cellular and molecular mechanisms that are not fully elucidated. Many experimental and clinical studies investigated the potential relationship between TBI and the process by which neurons are formed in the brain, known as neurogenesis. Currently, there are no available treatments for TBI's long-term consequences being the search for novel therapeutic targets, a goal of highest scientific and clinical priority. Some studies evaluated the benefits of treatments aimed at improving neurogenesis in TBI. In this scenario, herein, we reviewed current pre-clinical studies that evaluated different approaches to improving neurogenesis after TBI while achieving better cognitive outcomes, which may consist in interesting approaches for future treatments.

Design, synthesis and lipid-lowering activities of penipyridone derivatives

On the basis of our earlier discovered natural product penipyridone G with potential lipid-lowering utility, 35 penipyridone derivatives were designed, synthesized and characterized. Based on the oleic acid-induced HepG2 cell lipid accumulation model, compounds 12c, 14, 15f, 15k, 15o, 15p and 16f showed potent lipid-lowering activities among the synthetic compounds at 10 μM. In particular, compounds 4, 15k, 15o showed significant activities on inhibiting lipid accumulation in insulin resistant HepG2 cells, and these three compounds were safe and non-toxic within the concentration range of 400 μM. In comparison, 15o possessed the best lipid-lowering activity. Compared with the vehicle group, the triglyceride inhibition rate of 15o was about 30.2%, and the total cholesterol inhibition rate was about 14.8% at 20 μM, which was equipotent to Simvastatin. Our research indicates that 15o may serve as a promising lead compound for the development of hypolipidemic drugs.

Evaluation of the relationship between the peptide profiles and the lipid-lowering properties of olive seed hydrolysates as a tool for tuning hypocholesterolemic functionality

Olive processing generates large amounts of stones with high protein contents. Previous studies have demonstrated that Manzanilla variety olive seed proteins release peptides with lipid-lowering capacity. However, no work has demonstrated their roles in the overall hypolipidemic activity. Moreover, further studies using different olive varieties are required to propose a solid method for the exploitation of olive seeds. Twenty different olive varieties were employed in this work. Proteins were extracted using high-intensity focused ultrasound and digested with Alcalase. The released peptides were identified using proteomic techniques, and their capabilities to reduce the absorption of dietary cholesterol (by inhibiting cholesterol esterase enzyme, binding bile acids, and reducing micellar cholesterol solubility) or the biosynthesis of endogenous cholesterol were evaluated. Peptides with different lipid lowering capacities were obtained from all varieties although the genotype significantly affected the hypolipidemic characteristics. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses showed strong correlations, positive and negative, between the presence of certain peptides in the hydrolysates and their capacity to reduce exogenous cholesterol absorption and endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Therefore, the selection of the olive seed genotype can direct its lipid-lowering properties, e.g., by promoting the reduction of dietary cholesterol absorption or the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis.

Berberine: A Plant-derived Alkaloid with Therapeutic Potential to Combat Alzheimer's disease

Berberine (a protoberberine isoquinoline alkaloid) has shown promising pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, memory enhancement, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive, antimicrobial, anti- HIV and cholesterol-lowering effects. It is used in the treatment of the neurodegenerative disorder. It has strong evidence to serve as a potent phytoconstituent in the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. It limits the extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. It has also lipid-glucose lowering ability, hence can be used as a protective agent in atherosclerosis and AD. However, more detailed investigations along with safety assessment of berberine are warranted to clarify its role in limiting various risk factors and AD-related pathologies. This review highlights the pharmacological basis to control oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and protective effect of berberine in AD, which will benefit to the biological scientists in understanding and exploring the new vistas of berberine in combating Alzheimer's disease.

Effect of pre-treatment conditions on the antiatherogenic potential of freeze-dried oyster mushrooms

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus L.) is a valuable food product. It possesses an antiatherogenic potential, which has to be preserved during processing. The paper features the production of oyster mushroom sublimates. It focuses on such pre-treatment conditions as grinding, disinfection, and cryostabilisation, and their effect on the antiatherogenic potential of oyster mushrooms. A set of in vitro experiments was performed to measure the levels of lovastatin and antioxidant, catalase, anti-inflammatory, and thrombolytic properties. Various pre-treatment conditions proved to produce different effects on the biological activity of the freeze-dried oyster mushroom product. The best results were obtained after the mushrooms were reduced to pieces of 0.5 cm, underwent UV disinfection, blanched, treated with hot air, and cryostabilised with a 1.5% apple pectin solution. The best conditions for the antioxidant properties included ozonation, UV disinfection, and cryoprotection with pectin. The critical conditions for the antioxidant properties included homogenisation, blanching, and cryostabilisation with 10% solutions of sucrose and lactose. The catalase properties did not depend on the degree of grinding and were most pronounced after ozonation. The optimal conditions for the anti-inflammatory properties included UV disinfection and cryostabilisation with lactose. Ozonation proved to be critical for anti-inflammatory properties. The optimal conditions for thrombolytic properties included ozonation and cryoprotection with a 5% sorbitol solution, while hot air disinfection proved critical. Therefore, the research provided an experimental substantiation for individual pre-treatment conditions or their combinations that turn sublimated oyster mushrooms into a valuable functional product with antiatherogenic properties.

Fumigaclavine C attenuates adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and ameliorates lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Fumigaclavine C (FC), an active indole alkaloid, is obtained from endophytic Aspergillus terreus (strain No. FC118) by the root of Rhizophora stylosa (Rhizophoraceae). This study is designed to evaluate whether FC has anti-adipogenic effects in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and whether it ameliorates lipid accumulation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. FC notably increased the levels of glycerol in the culture supernatants and markedly reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. FC differentially inhibited the expressions of adipogenesis-related genes, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor proteins, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins, and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins. FC markedly reduced the expressions of lipid synthesis-related genes, such as the fatty acid binding protein, lipoprotein lipase, and fatty acid synthase. Furthermore, FC significantly increased the expressions of lipolysis-related genes, such as the hormone-sensitive lipase, Aquaporin-7, and adipose triglyceride lipase. In HFD-induced obese mice, intraperitoneal injections of FC decreased both the body weight and visceral adipose tissue weight. FC administration significantly reduced lipid accumulation. Moreover, FC could dose-dependently and differentially regulate the expressions of lipid metabolism-related transcription factors. All these data indicated that FC exhibited anti-obesity effects through modulating adipogenesis and lipolysis.

Small molecules as inhibitors of PCSK9: Current status and future challenges

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an important role in regulating lipoprotein metabolism by binding to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), leading to their degradation. LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering drugs that operate through the inhibition of PCSK9 are being pursued for the management of hypercholesterolemia and reducing its associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Two PCSK9-blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), alirocumab and evolocumab, were approved in 2015. However, the high costs of PCSK9 antibody drugs impede their prior authorization practices and reduce their long-term adherence. Given the potential of small-molecule drugs, the development of small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors has attracted considerable attention. This article provides an overview of the recent development of small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors disclosed in the literature and patent applications, and different approaches that have been pursued to modulate the functional activity of PCSK9 using small molecules are described. Challenges and potential strategies in developing small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors are also discussed.

Bioactive Natural Spirolactone-Type 6,7-seco-ent-Kaurane Diterpenoids and Synthetic Derivatives

Diterpenoids are widely distributed natural products and have caused considerable interest because of their unique skeletons and antibacterial and antitumor activities and so on. In light of recent discoveries, ent-kaurane diterpenoids, which exhibit a wide variety of biological activities, such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, pose enormous potential to serve as a promising candidate for drug development. Among them, spirolactone-type 6,7-seco-ent-kaurane diterpenoids, with interesting molecular skeleton, complex oxidation patterns, and bond formation, exhibit attractive activities. Furthermore, spirolactone-type diterpenoids have many modifiable sites, which allows for linking to various substituents, suitable for further medicinal study. Hence, some structurally modified derivatives with improved cytotoxicity activities are also achieved. In this review, natural bioactive spirolactone-type diterpenoids and their synthetic derivatives were summarized.

Antiproliferative Effects of Alkaloid Evodiamine and Its Derivatives

Alkaloids, a category of natural products with ring structures and nitrogen atoms, include most U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved plant derived anti-cancer agents. Evodiamine is an alkaloid with attractive multitargeting antiproliferative activity. Its high content in the natural source ensures its adequate supply on the market and guarantees further medicinal study. To the best of our knowledge, there is no systematic review about the antiproliferative effects of evodiamine derivatives. Therefore, in this article the review of the antiproliferative activities of evodiamine will be updated. More importantly, the antiproliferative activities of structurally modified new analogues of evodiamine will be summarized for the first time.

Lipid reducing activity of novel cholic acid (CA) analogs: Design, synthesis and preliminary mechanism study

Bile acids, initially discovered as endogenous ligands of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), play a central role in the regulation of triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism and have recently emerged as a privileged structure for interacting with nuclear receptors relevant to a large array of metabolic processes. In this paper, phenoxy containing cholic acid derivatives with excellent drug-likeness have been designed, synthesized, and assayed as agents against cholesterol accumulation in Raw264.7 macrophages. The most active compound 14b reduced total cholesterol accumulation in Raw264.7 cells up to 30.5% at non-toxic 10 μM and dosage-dependently attenuated oxLDL-induced foam cell formation. Western blotting and qPCR results demonstrate that 14b reduced both cholesterol and lipid in Raw264.7 cells through (1) increasing the expression of cholesterol transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1, (2) accelerating ApoA1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Through a cell-based luciferase reporter assay and molecular docking analysis, LXR was identified as the potential target for 14b. Interestingly, unlike conventional LXR agonist, 14b did not increase lipogenesis gene SREBP-1c expression. Overall, these diverse properties disclosed herein highlight the potential of 14b as a promising lead for further development of multifunctional agents in the therapy of cardiovascular disease.

Update on the Benefits and Mechanisms of Action of the Bioactive Vegetal Alkaloid Berberine on Lipid Metabolism and Homeostasis

Elevation of circulating levels of blood cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, and/or the decrease of HDL cholesterol levels have long been recognized as primary risk factors for developing atherosclerosis that leads to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor that is known to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Thus, various interventional efforts aimed at reducing hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia have been practiced clinically for decades to reduce morbidity and mortality risk associated with deleterious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. As such, many drugs have been developed and clinically used to treat hypocholesteremia and/or hypertriglyceridemia; however, dietary approaches including supplements along with changes in nutrition and lifestyle have become increasingly attractive and acceptable methods used to control borderline or moderately increased levels of blood cholesterol and triacylglycerols. In this regard, the use of a plant/herbal bioactive compound, berberine (BBR), has recently been studied extensively in terms of its efficacy as well as its mechanisms of action and safety as an alternative intervention that beneficially modulates blood lipids. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive update on BBR research, new concepts and directions in terms of product development and current challenges, and future prospects of using BBR to manage diseases and complications associated with dyslipidemia.

A Synergistic Anti-Cancer Effect of Troglitazone and Lovastatin in a Human Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cell Line and in a Mouse Xenograft Model

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a malignant subtype of thyroid cancers and its mechanism of development remains inconclusive. Importantly, there is no effective strategy for treatment since ATC is not responsive to conventional therapies, including radioactive iodine therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Here, we report that a combinational approach consisting of drugs designed for targeting lipid metabolism, lovastatin (an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, HMGCR) and troglitazone (an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, PPARγ), exhibits anti-proliferation in cell culture systems and leads to tumor regression in a mouse xenograft model. The composition contains a sub-lethal concentration of both drugs and exhibits low toxicity to certain types of normal cells. Our results support a hypothesis that the inhibitory effect of the combination is partly through a cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, as evidenced by the induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p21^cip and p27^kip, and the reduction of hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pp-Rb)-E2F1 signaling. Therefore, targeting two pathways involved in lipid metabolism may provide a new direction for treating ATC.