Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorder and Atherosclerosis

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease heterogeneity: Need of subtyping

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a widespread global disease with significant health burden. Unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), insulin resistance, and genetics have been implicated in the pathogenesis of MASLD. A significant degree of heterogeneity exists among each of above-mentioned risk factors. Heterogeneity of these risk factors translates into the heterogeneity of MASLD. On the other hand, MASLD can itself lead to insulin resistance and DM. Such heterogeneity makes it difficult to assess the natural course of an individual with MASLD in clinical practice. At present MASLD is considered as one disease despite the variability of etiopathogenic processes, and we lack the consensus definitions of unique subtypes of MASLD. In this review, pathogenic processes of MASLD are discussed and a need of subtyping is recommended.

Sesamin alleviates lipid accumulation induced by oleic acid via PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in HepG2 cells

Sesamin, a special compound present in sesame and sesame oil, has been reported a role in regulating lipid metabolism, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Autophagy has been reported associated with lipid metabolism and regarded as a key modulator in liver steatosis. The present work aimed to investigate whether sesamin could exert its protective effects against lipid accumulation via modulating autophagy in HepG2 cells stimulated with oleic acid (OA). Cell viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 method, and triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), along with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed by oil red O staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and biochemical kits to investigate the lipid-lowering effects of sesamin. Differentially expressed genes were screened by RNA sequencing and validated using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. Autophagy and mitophagy related molecules were analyzed employing TEM, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The data shows that in HepG2 cells stimulated by OA, sesamin reduces levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, and AST while elevating HDL-C, alleviates the lipid accumulation and improves fatty acid metabolism through modulating the levels of fat metabolism related genes including PCSK9, FABP1, CD36, and SOX4. Sesamin restores the suppressed autophagy in HepG2 cells caused by OA, which could be blocked by autophagy inhibitors. This indicates that sesamin improves fatty acid metabolism by enhancing autophagy levels, thereby mitigating the intracellular lipid accumulation. Furthermore, sesamin significantly enhances the mitophagy and improves mitochondrial homeostasis via activating the PINK/Parkin pathway. These data suggest that sesamin alleviates the excessive lipid accumulation in HepG2 caused by OA by restoring the impaired mitophagy via the PINK1/Parkin pathway, probably playing a preventive or therapeutic role in hepatic steatosis.

Unveiling the oral-gut connection: chronic apical periodontitis accelerates atherosclerosis via gut microbiota dysbiosis and altered metabolites in apoE-/- Mice on a high-fat diet

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) on atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice fed high-fat diet (HFD). This investigation focused on the gut microbiota, metabolites, and intestinal barrier function to uncover potential links between oral health and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, CAP was shown to exacerbate atherosclerosis in HFD-fed apoE-/- mice, as evidenced by the increase in plaque size and volume in the aortic walls observed via Oil Red O staining. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant alterations in the gut microbiota, with harmful bacterial species thriving while beneficial species declining. Metabolomic profiling indicated disruptions in lipid metabolism and primary bile acid synthesis, leading to elevated levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA), taurocholic acid (TCA), and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TDCA). These metabolic shifts may contribute to atherosclerosis development. Furthermore, impaired intestinal barrier function, characterized by reduced mucin expression and disrupted tight junction proteins, was observed. The increased intestinal permeability observed was positively correlated with the severity of atherosclerotic lesions, highlighting the importance of the intestinal barrier in cardiovascular health. In conclusion, this research underscores the intricate interplay among oral health, gut microbiota composition, metabolite profiles, and CVD incidence. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as a potential preventive measure against cardiovascular issues, as well as the need for further investigations into the intricate mechanisms linking oral health, gut microbiota, and metabolic pathways in CVD development.

Transcriptomic analysis identifies the shared diagnostic biomarkers and immune relationship between Atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm based on fatty acid metabolism gene set

Background

Epidemiological research has demonstrated that there is a connection between lipid metabolism disorder and an increased risk of developing arteriosclerosis (AS) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, the precise relationship between lipid metabolism, AS, and AAA is still not fully understood. The objective of this study was to examine the pathways and potential fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FRGs) that are shared between AS and AAA.

Methods

AS- and AAA-associated datasets were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the limma package was utilized to identify differentially expressed FRGs (DFRGs) common to both AS and AAA patients. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted on the (DFRGs), and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established. The selection of signature genes was performed through the utilization of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and random forest (RF). Subsequently, a nomogram was developed using the results of the screening process, and the crucial genes were validated in two separate external datasets (GSE28829 and GSE17901) as well as clinical samples. In the end, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was utilized to assess the immune cell patterns in both AS and AAA. Additionally, the correlation between key crosstalk genes and immune cell was evaluated.

Results

In comparison to control group, both AS and AAA patients exhibited a decrease in fatty acid metabolism score. We found 40 DFRGs overlapping in AS and AAA, with lipid and amino acid metabolism critical in their pathogenesis. PCBD1, ACADL, MGLL, BCKDHB, and IDH3G were identified as signature genes connecting AS and AAA. Their expression levels were confirmed in validation datasets and clinical samples. The analysis of immune infiltration showed that neutrophils, NK CD56dim cells, and Tem cells are important in AS and AAA development. Correlation analysis suggested that these signature genes may be involved in immune cell infiltration.

Conclusion

The fatty acid metabolism pathway appears to be linked to the development of both AS and AAA. Furthermore, PCBD1, ACADL, MGLL, BCKDHB, and IDH3G have the potential to serve as diagnostic markers for patients with AS complicated by AAA.

Role of formyl peptide receptor 2 in steatosis of L02 cells exposed to Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) can accumulate in the liver and then lead to hepatic steatosis, while the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Inflammation plays an important role in the disorder of hepatic lipid metabolism. This study aims to clarify the role of the inflammatory response mediated by formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) in steatosis of L02 cells exposed to MEHP. L02 cells were exposed to MEHP of different concentrations and different time. A steatosis model of L02 cells was induced with oleic acid and the cells were exposed to MEHP simultaneously. In addition, L02 cells were incubated with FPR2 antagonist and then exposed to MEHP. Lipid accumulation was determined by oil red O staining and extraction assay. The indicators related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response were measured with appropriate kits. The relative expression levels of FPR2 and its ligand were determined by Western blot, and the interaction of them was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. As a result, MEHP exposure could promote the occurrence and progression of steatosis and the secretion of chemokines and inflammatory factors in L02 cells. MEHP could also affect the expression and activation of FPR2 and the secretion of FPR2 ligands. In addition, the promotion effect of MEHP on the secretion of total cholesterol and interleukin 1β in L02 cells could be significantly inhibited by the FPR2 antagonist. We concluded that FPR2 might affect the promotion effect of MEHP on steatosis of L02 cells by mediating inflammatory response.

A Review: Cytochrome P450 in Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (FALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have similar pathological spectra, both of which are associated with a series of symptoms, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. These clinical manifestations are caused by hepatic lipid synthesis and metabolism dysregulation and affect human health. Despite having been studied extensively, targeted therapies remain elusive. The Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) family is the most important drug-metabolising enzyme in the body, primarily in the liver. It is responsible for the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds, completing biological transformation. This process is relevant to the occurrence and development of AFLD and NAFLD. In this review, the correlation between CYP450 and liver lipid metabolic diseases is summarised, providing new insights for the treatment of AFLD and NAFLD.

Airborne magnetite nanoparticles induced early vascular pathologies by disrupting lipid metabolism under high-fat dietary patterns

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been extensively detected in the atmospheric environment and implicated as a prominent threat to atherosclerosis, a chronic vascular inflammatory disease. Due to globalization and economic development, the dramatic shift in diet from traditional to high-fat dietary patterns aggravated atherosclerosis progression induced by environmental factors. However, limited knowledge is available regarding vascular risks and underlying mechanisms of airborne MNPs in high-risk populations with high-fat dietary habits. Herein, we demonstrated that MNPs exerted a proatherogenic effect under high-fat dietary patterns, leading to aortic wall thickening, elastic fiber disorganization, macrophage infiltration, and local inflammation. Based on the correlation analysis between MNPs and PM group, we identified that MNPs might be a key PM component in atherogenic toxicity. MNPs exposure disturbed the dynamic process of lipid metabolism, manifested as aortic lipid accumulation, dyslipidemia, and hepatic lipid metabolism disorder, which was modulated by the JAK-STAT pathway. Overall, these findings provide new insight into understanding the cardiovascular risks and mechanisms of MNPs among high-risk populations.

TGR5 signalling in heart and brain injuries: focus on metabolic and ischaemic mechanisms

The heart and brain are the core organs of the circulation and central nervous system, respectively, and play an important role in maintaining normal physiological functions. Early neuronal and cardiac damage affects organ function. The relationship between the heart and brain is being continuously investigated. Evidence-based medicine has revealed the concept of the "heart- brain axis," which may provide new therapeutic strategies for certain diseases. Takeda protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) is a metabolic regulator involved in energy homeostasis, bile acid homeostasis, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Inflammation is critical for the development and regeneration of the heart and brain during metabolic diseases. Herein, we discuss the role of TGR5 as a metabolic regulator of heart and brain development and injury to facilitate new therapeutic strategies for metabolic and ischemic diseases of the heart and brain.

Two sides of the same coin: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis remain high, which is primarily due to widespread adoption of a western diet and sedentary lifestyle. NAFLD, together with advanced forms of this disease such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis, are closely associated with atherosclerotic-cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this review, we discussed the association between NAFLD and atherosclerosis and expounded on the common molecular biomarkers underpinning the pathogenesis of both NAFLD and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, we have summarized the mode of function and potential clinical utility of existing drugs in the context of these diseases.

Protocatechuic acid alleviates TMAO-aggravated atherosclerosis via mitigating inflammation, regulating lipid metabolism, and reshaping gut microbiota

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. As a natural phenolic acid, protocatechuic acid (PCA) is abundant in various plant foods. The present study investigated the effect of PCA on TMAO-aggravated atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice. The mice were randomly divided into five groups and fed one of the following five diets for 12 weeks: namely a low-fat diet (LFD), a western diet (WD), a WD + 0.2% TMAO diet (WDT), a WDT + 0.5% PCA diet (WDT + LPCA), and a WDT + 1.0% PCA diet (WDT + HPCA). Results demonstrated that dietary TMAO exacerbated the development of atherosclerosis by eliciting inflammation and disturbing lipid metabolism. The diet with PCA at 1% reduced TMAO-induced aortic plaque by 30% and decreased the levels of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines. PCA also improved lipid metabolism by up-regulating the hepatic gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). In addition, PCA supplementation enhanced fecal excretion of fatty acids and decreased hepatic fat accumulation. PCA supplementation favorably modulated gut microbiota by increasing the α-diversity with an increase in the abundance of beneficial genera (Rikenella, Turicibacter, Clostridium_sensu_stricto and Bifidobacterium) and a decrease in the abundance of the harmful Helicobacter genus. In summary, PCA could alleviate the TMAO-exacerbated atherosclerosis and inflammation, improve the lipid metabolism, and modulate gut microbiota.

The amelioration of a purified Pleurotus abieticola polysaccharide on atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice

In this study, a polysaccharide known as PAPS2 was eluted from Pleurotus abieticola fruiting bodies using 0.1 M NaCl solutions. PAPS2 has a Mw of 19.64 kDa and its backbone is mainly composed of →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ and →2,6)-α-D-Galp-(1→ residues, and its branches mainly end with β-D-Manp-(1→, which is attached at C2 of →2,6)-α-D-Galp-(1→. PAPS2 elicited several effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed ApoE-/- mice. It significantly reduced the body weight, liver index, and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TGs), and it alleviated lipid accumulation in the aorta. Intestinal microflora analysis showed that PAPS2 suppressed the abundances of Adlercreutzia, Turicibacter, and Helicobacter and enriched that of Roseburia. It also influenced lipid metabolism, suggesting that it reduced the levels of TGs, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and ceramide (Cer). Moreover, it suppressed oxidative response by increasing nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2)-related factor expression and activating the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) to reduce the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, it showed anti-inflammatory effects partially related to the inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells, as well as in the aorta of HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice. This study provides experimental evidence of the auxiliary applicability of PAPS2 in atherosclerosis treatment.

AhR, PXR and CAR: From Xenobiotic Receptors to Metabolic Sensors

Traditionally, xenobiotic receptors are known for their role in chemical sensing and detoxification, as receptor activation regulates the expression of various key enzymes and receptors. However, recent studies have highlighted that xenobiotic receptors also play a key role in the regulation of lipid metabolism and therefore function also as metabolic sensors. Since dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for various cardiometabolic diseases, like atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it is of major importance to understand the molecular mechanisms that are regulated by xenobiotic receptors. In this review, three major xenobiotic receptors will be discussed, being the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Specifically, this review will focus on recent insights into the metabolic functions of these receptors, especially in the field of lipid metabolism and the associated dyslipidemia.

An Integrated Sweat Sensor for Synchronous Detection of Multiple Atherosclerosis Biomarkers

Atherosclerosis conditions are often assessed in the clinic by measuring blood viscosity, blood flow, and blood lesion levels. In alignment with precision medicine, it is essential to develop convenient and noninvasive approaches for atherosclerosis diagnostics. Herein, an integrated electrochemical sensor was successfully demonstrated for simultaneously detecting cholesterol, transferrin, and K+ in sweat, all biomarker indicators of atherosclerosis. The sensing substrate was based on carbon quantum dots integrated within multiwalled carbon nanotubes, creating a hybrid framework with low electron transfer resistance and highly efficient electron transfer rate, yielding a highly electrochemical active platform for ultrasensitive detection of trace sweat biomarkers. To ensure specificity to corresponding targets, the sensing mechanisms were based on molecular recognition reactions of cholesterol and β-cyclodextrin, transferrin and molecular cavities, and K+ and ion-selective permeation membrane. Moreover, the integrated nonenzymatic sensor exhibited excellent long-term stability. Furthermore, the practical utility of the sensor was successfully demonstrated by the simultaneous detection of three atherosclerosis biomarkers in sweat from volunteers who underwent predesigned daily activities. The sensor shows promise for convenient indexing of atherosclerosis conditions in a noninvasive way.

Sex Differences in the Atherogenic Risk Index in Healthy Mexican Population and Its Relationship with Anthropometric and Psychological Factors

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality; however, the association of this variable with a wide range of personal and psychological variables has not been researched. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare lipid levels and anthropometric measures between sexes and to determine the association between personal and psychological variables with the atherogenic risk index (ARI). An adult population which auto-reported as healthy was invited to participate via social media and in person. They filled out a questionnaire with personal and psychological variables; in addition, the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured, and a blood sample was obtained to determine serum lipids. A total of 172 participants were included, from which 92 (53.49%) were women; both sexes were comparable in age and most sociodemographic values. Men showed significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, ARI, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol. The men also showed higher values of WHR than the women. In the bivariate analysis, ARI showed the highest correlation with WHR (r = 0.664) in the men and with BMI (r = 0.619) in the women. In the multivariate analysis, the quality of food intake was negatively correlated with ARI in the global and women's samples, and the psychological variables of assertiveness and positive relations with others were negatively correlated with ARI in women, while purpose in life was negatively correlated with ARI in men. In conclusion, the higher levels of serum lipids and ARI in men can be explained by the higher values of WHR in this sex. Behavioral and psychological variables could be protective factors for high ARI.

Effects and Mechanistic Role of Mulberry Leaves in Treating Diabetes and its Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a surge burden worldwide owing to its high prevalence and range of associated complications such as coronary artery disease, blindness, stroke, and renal failure. Accordingly, the treatment and management of DM have become a research hotspot. Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a long time, with the first record of its use published in Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica). Mulberry leaves (MLs) are considered highly valuable medicinal food homologs that contain polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other bioactive substances. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that MLs have multiple bioactive effects, including hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory properties, with the ability to protect islet [Formula: see text]-cells, alleviate insulin resistance, and regulate intestinal flora. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of MLs in DM have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize the botanical characterization, traditional use, chemical constituents, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of MLs, and highlight the mechanisms involved in treating DM and its complications. This review can provide a valuable reference for the further development and utilization of MLs in the prevention and treatment of DM.

Associations of polyunsaturated fatty acids with cardiovascular disease and mortality: a study of NHANES database in 2003-2018

BACKGROUND

This study was to explore the association between dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) consumption and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), all-cause mortality, and CVD-specific mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study extracted demographic and clinical data of 38,838 adult participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 2003-2018. We explored the association between octadecadienoic acid (ODA), octadecatrienoic acid (ALA), octadecatetraenoic acid (ODTA), eicosatetraenoic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and different CVDs using weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The PUFAs were divided into four levels according to the quartiles (≤ Q1, Q1 to Q2, Q1 to Q2, > Q3). Weighted univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI were used for exploring the association between PUFAs and all-cause mortality, CVD-specific mortality and other cause-specific mortality.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, a total of 4,908 (9.12%) eligible participants died. The results showed that after adjusting for covariates, ODTA intake was related to low odds of coronary heart disease (CHD) [OR = 0.75, 95%CI: (0.64-0.88)]. Q1-Q2 quartile of ALA [OR = 0.81, 95%CI: (0.66-0.99)] and Q2-Q3 quartile of DPA [OR = 0.78, 95%CI: (0.62-0.99)] intakes were linked to low odds of heart attack, and > Q3 quartile of ODA intake was associated with low odds of congestive heart failure (CHF) [OR = 0.66, 95%CI: (0.49-0.90)] and stroke [OR = 0.65, 95%CI: (0.47-0.90)]. Q2-Q3 quartile of DPA intake was linked to low odds of angina [OR = 0.76, 95%CI: (0.58-0.99)]. Higher ALA intake was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality [Q2-Q3: HR = 0.86, 95%CI: (0.74-0.99); > Q3: HR = 0.76, 95%CI: (0.63-0.91)]. Additionally, Q2-Q3 quartile of ALA, Q1-Q2 quartile of AA and DPA intakes were respectively related to a low risk of CVD-specific mortality, while that > Q3 quartile of ALA related to that of mortality by other causes.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that PUFAs were associated with different CVDs, and higher ALA intake was related to lower risk of all-cause mortality. Ensuring adequate intake of PUFAs was beneficial to the health and may decrease the risk of mortality.

HOXA1 participates in VSMC-to-macrophage-like cell transformation via regulation of NF-κB p65 and KLF4: a potential mechanism of atherosclerosis pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Macrophage-like transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a risk factor of atherosclerosis (AS) progression. Transcription factor homeobox A1 (HOXA1) plays functional roles in differentiation and development. This study aims to explore the role of HOXA1 in VSMC transformation, thereby providing evidence for the potential mechanism of AS pathogenesis.

METHODS

High fat diet (HFD)-fed apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE^-/-) mice were applied as an in vivo model to imitate AS, while 1-palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POV-PC)-treated VSMCs were applied as an in vitro model. Recombinant adeno-associated-virus-1 (AAV-1) vectors that express short-hairpin RNAs targeting HOXA1, herein referred as AAV1-shHOXA1, were generated for the loss-of-function experiments throughout the study.

RESULTS

In the aortic root of AS mice, lipid deposition was severer and HOXA1 expression was higher than the wide-type mice fed with normal diet or HFD. Silencing of HOXA1 inhibited the AS-induced weight gain, inflammatory response, serum and liver lipid metabolism disorder and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Besides, lesions from AS mice with HOXA1 knockdown showed less trans-differentiation of VSMCs to macrophage-like cells, along with a suppression of krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB RelA (p65) expression. In vitro experiments consistently confirmed that HOXA1 knockdown suppressed lipid accumulation, VSMC-to-macrophage phenotypic switch and inflammation in POV-PC-treated VSMCs. Mechanism investigations further illustrated that HOXA1 transcriptionally activated RelA and KLF4 to participate in the pathological manifestations of VSMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

HOXA1 participates in AS progression by regulating VSMCs plasticity via regulation of NF-κB p65 and KLF4. HOXA1 has the potential to be a biomarker or therapeutic target for AS.

Butanol Extract of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

This study investigated the effect of butanol extract of AS (ASBUE) on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice. The mice were administered ASBUE (390 or 130 mg/kg/day) or rosuvastatin (RSV) via oral gavage for eight weeks. In ApoE^-/- mice, ASBUE suppressed the abnormal body weight gain and improved serum and liver biochemical indicators. ASBUE remarkably reduced the aortic plaque area, improved liver pathological conditions, and lipid metabolism abnormalities, and altered the intestinal microbiota structure in ApoE^-/- mice. In the vascular tissue of ASBUE-treated mice, P-IKKβ, P-NFκB, and P-IκBα levels tended to decrease, while IκB-α increased in high fat-diet-fed atherosclerotic mice. These findings demonstrated the anti-atherosclerotic potential of ASBUE, which is mediated by the interaction between the gut microbiota and lipid metabolism and regulated via the Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. This work paves the groundwork for subsequent studies to develop innovative drugs to treat atherosclerosis.

Intestinal flora: A new target for traditional Chinese medicine to improve lipid metabolism disorders

Lipid metabolism disorders (LMD) can cause a series of metabolic diseases, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis (AS). Its development is caused by more pathogenic factors, among which intestinal flora dysbiosis is considered to be an important pathogenic mechanism of LMD. In recent years, the research on intestinal flora has made great progress, opening up new perspectives on the occurrence and therapeutic effects of diseases. With its complex composition and wide range of targets, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used to prevent and treat LMD. This review takes intestinal flora as a target, elaborates on the scientific connotation of TCM in the treatment of LMD, updates the therapeutic thinking of LMD, and provides a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Key ingredients in Verbena officinalis and determination of their anti-atherosclerotic effect using a computer-aided drug design approach

Lipid metabolism disorders may considerably contribute to the formation and development of atherosclerosis (AS). Traditional Chinese medicine has received considerable attention in recent years owing to its ability to treat lipid metabolism disorders using multiple components and targets. Verbena officinalis (VO), a Chinese herbal medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects. Evidence suggests that VO regulates lipid metabolism; however, its role in AS remains unclear. In the present study, an integrated network pharmacology approach, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) were applied to examine the mechanism of VO against AS. Analysis revealed 209 potential targets for the 11 main ingredients in VO. Further, 2698 mechanistic targets for AS were identified, including 147 intersection targets between VO and AS. Quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol were considered key ingredients for the treatment of AS based on a potential ingredient target-AS target network. GO analysis revealed that biological processes were primarily associated with responses to xenobiotic stimuli, cellular responses to lipids, and responses to hormones. Cell components were predominantly focused on the membrane microdomain, membrane raft, and caveola nucleus. Molecular functions were mainly focused on DNA-binding transcription factor binding, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding transcription factor binding, and transcription factor binding. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified pathways in cancer, fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis, with lipid and atherosclerosis being the most significantly enriched pathways. Molecular docking revealed that three key ingredients in VO (i.e., quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol) strongly interacted with three potential targets (i.e., AKT1, IL-6, and TNF-α). Further, MDS revealed that quercetin had a stronger binding affinity for AKT1. These findings suggest that VO has beneficial effects on AS via these potential targets that are closely related to the lipid and atherosclerosis pathways. Our study utilized a new computer-aided drug design to identify key ingredients, potential targets, various biological processes, and multiple pathways associated with the clinical roles of VO in AS, which provides a comprehensive and systemic pharmacological explanation for the anti-atherosclerotic activity of VO.

Therapeutic potential of paeoniflorin in atherosclerosis: A cellular action and mechanism-based perspective

Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence, prevalence and mortality of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are increasing globally. Atherosclerosis is characterized as a chronic inflammatory disease which involves inflammation and immune dysfunction. P. lactiflora Pall. is a plant origin traditional medicine that has been widely used for the treatment of various diseases for more than a millennium in China, Japan and Korean. Paeoniflorin is a bioactive monomer extracted from P. lactiflora Pall. with anti-atherosclerosis effects. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanism whereby paeoniflorin protects against atherosclerosis from the unique angle of inflammation and immune-related pathway dysfunction in vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, monocytes, macrophages, platelets and mast cells. Paeoniflorin, with multiple protective effects in atherosclerosis, has the potential to be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis and its complications. We conclude with a detailed discussion of the challenges and future perspective of paeoniflorin in translational cardiovascular medicine.