First Discovery of Cholesterol-Lowering Activity of Parthenolide as NPC1L1 Inhibitor

Targeting cholesterol metabolism: a promising therapy strategy for cancer

Cholesterol is a crucial structural component of cell membranes, playing a vital role in maintaining membrane fluidity and stability. Cholesterol metabolism involves four interconnected processes: de novo synthesis, uptake, efflux, and esterification. Disruptions in any of these pathways can lead to imbalances in cholesterol homeostasis, which are significantly associated with cancer progression. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a comprehensive therapeutic approach with multi-target and multi-pathway effects, demonstrating significant potential in regulating cholesterol metabolism. Research has shown that certain components of TCM can modulate enzymes, transport proteins, and signaling pathways involved in cholesterol metabolism, effectively interfering with survival and migration of cancer. These mechanisms highlight the unique advantages of TCM in inhibiting tumor progression. In this review we systematically describe the execution and regulation of the four key cholesterol metabolism processes, highlights the roles of critical proteins involved, and provides a comprehensive overview of natural products from TCM that modulate cholesterol metabolism. This review provides valuable insights for the development of novel drugs and cancer therapeutic strategies targeting cholesterol metabolism.

Identification of targets and comparative study of administration methods for the lipid-lowering effects of fucoidan from Saccharina japonica

The lipid-lowering activity of fucoidan has been widely reported, but the exploration of its mechanisms is relatively limited, and studies on its direct targets are even scarcer. Additionally, it is unclear whether different administration methods affect the lipid-lowering activity of fucoidan. In current study, we used fucoidan derived from Saccharina japonica (SJF) to investigate its targets. The results showed that not only did SJF directly inhibit the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1)-mediated cholesterol transport, but it also reduced the solubility of cholesterol in mixed micelles, thereby interfering with the cholesterol uptake. Furthermore, SJF not only directly inhibited the activity of pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL), but also interfered with the overall catalytic process facilitated by colipase, thereby reducing the absorption of triglycerides. Moreover, comparative studies on the lipid-lowering activity of SJF administered via different methods demonstrated that dietary supplementation with SJF provided better lipid-lowering effects compared with gavage administration. Our research not only elucidates the targets and mechanisms of SJF but also provides theoretical basis for the selection of administration methods for fucoidan in lipid-lowering therapy.

Association between lipid-lowering agents with intervertebral disc degeneration, sciatica and low back pain: a drug-targeted mendelian randomized study and cross-sectional observation

BACKGROUND

Abnormal lipid metabolism is linked to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), sciatica, and low back pain (LBP), but it remains unclear whether targeted interventions can prevent these issues. This study investigated the causal effects of lipid-lowering drug use on IVDD, sciatica, and LBP development.

METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to total cholesterol (TC), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) were obtained from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium's genome-wide association study (GWAS). Genes near HMGCR, PCSK9, and NPC1L1 were selected to represent therapeutic inhibition targets. Using Mendelian randomization (MR) focusing on these drug targets, we identified causal effects of PCSK9, HMGCR, and NPC1L1 on the risk of developing IVDD, sciatica, and LBP, with coronary heart disease risk serving as a positive control. Using summary data from Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis, we evaluated potential therapeutic targets for IVDD, sciatica, and LBP through protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL). The genetic associations with IVDD, sciatica, LBP, and coronary heart disease were derived from FinnGen (discovery) and UK Biobank (replication). Additionally, a cross-sectional observational study was performed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to further investigate the connection between LBP and statin use, with a sample size of 4343 participants. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the outcomes.

RESULTS

The NHANES-based cross-sectional study indicated that non-statin use was associated with an increased risk of developing LBP (OR = 1.29, 95% CI [1.04, 1.59], P = 0.019). Moreover, Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis revealed that NPC1L1-mediated reductions in TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C concentrations were associated with a decreased risk of developing IVDD (P = 9.956E-03; P = 3.516E-02; P = 1.253E-04). Similarly, PCSK9-mediated reductions in LDL-C and TC concentrations were linked to a lower risk of developing sciatica (P = 3.825E-02; P = 2.709E-02). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability and reliability of the MR results. MST1 (macrophage stimulating 1) levels was inversely associated with IVDD, sciatica, and LBP risks.

CONCLUSION

The results of cross-sectional study suggested that non-use of statins was positively correlated with LBP. The results of Mendelian randomization study suggest that NPC1L1 could lower the risk of developing IVDD by reducing TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels. Additionally, PCSK9 may reduce the risk of developing sciatica by lowering LDL-C and TC levels. In contrast, HMGCR appears to have no significant effect on IVDD, sciatica, or LBP development. Nonetheless, further research is needed to verify these preliminary results. MST1 warrants further exploration as a potential therapeutic target. It is necessary to do further research to validate these findings.

A Comparison between Bulgarian Tanacetum parthenium Essential Oil from Two Different Locations

Tanacetum parthenium L. (Asteraceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a long-standing historical use in traditional medicine. Recently Tanacetum parthenium L. essential oil has been associated with a promising potential for future applications in the pharmaceutical industry, in the cosmetics industry, and in agriculture. Investigations on the essential oil (EO) have indicated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and repellent activity. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of Bulgarian T. parthenium essential oil from two different regions, to compare the results to those reported previously in the literature, and to point out some of its future applications. The essential oils of the air-dried flowering aerial parts were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition was evaluated using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was established that the oxygenated monoterpenes were the predominant terpene class, followed by the monoterpene hydrocarbons. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences between both samples were revealed. Camphor (50.90%), camphene (16.12%), and bornyl acetate (6.05%) were the major constituents in the feverfew EO from the western Rhodope Mountains, while in the EO from the central Balkan mountains camphor (45.54%), trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (13.87%), and camphene (13.03%) were the most abundant components.

NPC1L1 Plays a Novel Role in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) is a key protein in the transport of cholesterol, which exists in the brush marginal membrane of the intestinal epithelial cells and the timid duct membrane of the liver. It affects cholesterol absorption and plasma low-density lipoprotein levels. Cholesterol is both an important component of the cell membrane and a precursor of bile acid and steroid hormone synthesis. Abnormal cholesterol metabolism is closely related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis, with serious consequences. NPC1L1 is involved in the regulation of cholesterol and lipid metabolism and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of cholesterol metabolism in the body. It also plays an important role in some metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the molecular pathological mechanism of NPC1L1 in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and the occurrence and development of NASH, which can provide a target for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of NASH and other diseases. More importantly, it helps to accelerate the development of drugs that regulate lipid metabolism at multiple levels and reduce liver steatosis, which is extremely important for the prevention and treatment of NASH and related severe metabolic diseases.

Chemical synthesis and biochemical properties of cholestane-5α,6β-diol-3-sulfonate: A non-hydrolysable analogue of cholestane-5α,6β-diol-3β-sulfate

Cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol (CT) is a primary metabolite of 5,6-epoxycholesterols (5,6-EC) that is catalyzed by the cholesterol-5,6-epoxide hydrolase (ChEH). CT is a well-known biomarker for Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C), a progressive inherited neurodegenerative disease. On the other hand, CT is known to be metabolized by the 11β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase of type 2 (11β-HSD2) into a tumor promoter named oncosterone that stimulates the growth of breast cancer tumors. Sulfation is a major metabolic transformation leading to the production of sulfated oxysterols. The production of cholestane-5α,6β-diol-3β-O-sulfate (CDS) has been reported in breast cancer cells. However, no data related to CDS biological properties have been reported so far. These studies have been hampered because sulfate esters of sterols and steroids are rapidly hydrolyzed by steroid sulfatase to give free steroids and sterols. In order to get insight into the biological properties of CDS, we report herein the synthesis and the characterization of cholestane-5α,6β-diol-3β-sulfonate (CDSN), a non-hydrolysable analogue of CDS. We show that CDSN is a potent inhibitor of 11β-HSD2 that blocks oncosterone production on cell lysate. The inhibition of oncosterone biosynthesis of a whole cell assay was observed but results from the blockage by CDSN of the uptake of CT in MCF-7 cells. While CDSN inhibits MCF-7 cell proliferation, we found that it potentiates the cytotoxic activity of post-lanosterol cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors such as tamoxifen and PBPE. This effect was associated with an increase of free sterols accumulation and the appearance of giant multilamellar bodies, a structural feature reminiscent of Type C Niemann-Pick disease cells and consistent with a possible inhibition by CDSN of NPC1. Altogether, our data showed that CDSN is biologically active and that it is a valuable tool to study the biological properties of CDS and more specifically its impact on immunity and viral infection.

Novel application potential of cinaciguat in the treatment of mixed hyperlipidemia through targeting PTL/NPC1L1 and alleviating intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disorders

Mixed hyperlipidemia, characterized by high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, is a key risk factor leading to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Existing clinical drugs usually only work on a single indicator, decreasing either triglyceride or cholesterol levels. Developing dual-acting agents that reduce both triglycerides and cholesterol remains a great challenge. Pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL) and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) have been identified as crucial proteins in the transport of triglycerides and cholesterol. Here, cinaciguat, a known agent used in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure, was identified as a potent dual inhibitor targeting PTL and NPC1L1. We presented in vitro evidence from surface plasmon resonance analysis that cinaciguat interacted with PTL and NPC1L1. Furthermore, cinaciguat exhibited potent PTL-inhibition activity. Fluorescence-labeled cholesterol uptake analysis and confocal imaging showed that cinaciguat effectively inhibited cholesterol uptake. In vivo evaluation showed that cinaciguat significantly reduced the plasma levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, and effectively alleviated high-fat diet-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disorders. These results collectively suggest that cinaciguat has the potential to be further developed for the therapy of mixed hyperlipidemia.