Bioactive components to inhibit foam cell formation in atherosclerosis

Mol Biol Rep. 2022 Mar;49(3):2487-2501. doi: 10.1007/s11033-021-07039-9. Epub 2022 Jan 11.

Abstract

Background: The production of lipid-laden cells in macrophages after significant ingestion of oxidized low-density lipoprotein is considered the most critical phase in the creation of atherosclerotic lesions, which is known as foam cell formation. Targeting foam cell development to find a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of atherosclerosis has yielded numerous promising outcomes. Multiple variables influence foam cell growth, including scavenger receptor expression, cholesterol transporter expression acyl CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase activity, and neutral cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity. Plants used during herbal therapy have been shown to assist with a variety of ailments.

Result: In this study, we found medicinal plants and their bioactive components suppress foam cell formation in a variety of ways; some inhibit cholesterol transporter and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 upregulation, while others inhibit the function of acyl CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase activity, and neutral cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity.

Conclusion: Recent study findings related to the synthesis of the new active component from plant sources by focusing on the typical process involved in the generation of foam cells. We're also looking at using a cellular target-based therapeutic approach to generate novel plant-based medications for the cure of atherosclerosis.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Bioactive components; Endothelial dysfunction; Foam cell formation; Herbal medicine; Macrophages.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis* / metabolism
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Foam Cells*
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / metabolism
  • Macrophages / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Cholesterol