scholarly journals Salidroside Decreases Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Deficient Mice

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bu-Chun Zhang ◽  
Wei-Ming Li ◽  
Rong Guo ◽  
Ya-Wei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Plaque Formation ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Aortic Sinus ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation

Salidroside is isolated fromRhodiola roseaand is one of the main active components inRhodiolaspecies. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Salidroside on atherosclerotic plaque formation in high-fat diet-(HFD-) fed female LDL receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice.LDLr-/-mice fed an atherogenic HFD for 12 weeks were divided into two groups. One group was administered Salidroside (50 mg/kg/oral gavage) daily for 8 weeks, while the control group was administered saline. Salidroside treatment reduced serum lipids levels and the plaque area through the arch to the abdominal aorta. Furthermore, Salidroside improved macrophage content and enhanced collagen and smooth muscle cells contents in the aortic sinus. These changes were associated with reduced MCP-1, VCAM-1, and VCAM-1 protein expression in atherosclerotic aortas. All these results suggest that Salidroside decreases atherosclerotic plaques formation via effects on lipid lowering and anti-inflammation in HFD-fed LDLr−/−mice.

scholarly journals Melanocortin overexpression limits diet-induced inflammation and atherosclerosis in LDLR−/− mice

2018 ◽  
Vol 236 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salla Nuutinen ◽  
Liisa Ailanen ◽  
Eriika Savontaus ◽  
Petteri Rinne
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Vascular Inflammation ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Plaque Formation ◽  
Western Diet ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Melanocortin System ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries. The disease is initiated by endothelial dysfunction that allows the transport of leukocytes and low-density lipoprotein into the vessel wall forming atherosclerotic plaques. The melanocortin system is an endogenous peptide system that regulates, for example, energy homeostasis and cardiovascular function. Melanocortin treatment with endogenous or synthetic melanocortin peptides reduces body weight, protects the endothelium and alleviates vascular inflammation, but the long-term effects of melanocortin system activation on atheroprogression remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effects of transgenic melanocortin overexpression in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice overexpressing alpha- and gamma3-MSH (MSH-OE) and their wild-type littermates were fed either a regular chow or Western-style diet for 16 weeks. During this time, their metabolic parameters were monitored. The aortae were collected for functional analysis, and the plaques in the aortic root and arch were characterised by histological and immunohistochemical stainings. The aortic expression of inflammatory mediators was determined by quantitative PCR. We found that transgenic MSH-OE improved glucose tolerance and limited atherosclerotic plaque formation particularly in Western diet-fed mice. In terms of aortic vasoreactivity, MSH-OE blunted alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction and enhanced relaxation response to acetylcholine, indicating improved endothelial function. In addition, MSH-OE markedly attenuated Western diet-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (Ccl2, Ccl5 and Il6) that contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These results show that the activation of the melanocortin system improves glucose homeostasis and limits diet-induced vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation.

The lectin-like oxidized low-density-lipoprotein receptor: a pro-inflammatory factor in vascular disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 409 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dunn ◽  
Ravinder S. Vohra ◽  
Jane E. Murphy ◽  
Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam ◽  
John H. Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Disease ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Plaque Formation ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Lipoprotein Receptor ◽  
Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation ◽  
Density Lipoprotein Receptor

Scavenger receptors are membrane glycoproteins that bind diverse ligands including lipid particles, phospholipids, apoptotic cells and pathogens. LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1) is increasingly linked to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Transgenic mouse models for LOX-1 overexpression or gene knockout suggests that LOX-1 contributes to atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression. LOX-1 activation by oxidized LDL (low-density lipoprotein) binding stimulates intracellular signalling, gene expression and production of superoxide radicals. A key question is the role of leucocyte LOX-1 in pro-atherogenic lipid particle trafficking, accumulation and signalling leading to differentiation into foam cells, necrosis and plaque development. LOX-1 expression is elevated within vascular lesions and a serum soluble LOX-1 fragment appears diagnostic of patients with acute coronary syndromes. LOX-1 is increasingly viewed as a vascular disease biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in heart attack and stroke prevention.

Structure and Function of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1029-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinjie Lu
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Proprotein Convertase ◽  
Novel Target ◽  
New Treatments ◽  
And Function

Background:One of the important factors in Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism is the LDL receptor (LDLR) by its capacity to bind and subsequently clear cholesterol derived from LDL (LDL-C) in the circulation. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-like Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a newly discovered serine protease that destroys LDLR in the liver and thereby controls the levels of LDL in plasma. Inhibition of PCSK9-mediated degradation of LDLR has, therefore, become a novel target for lipid-lowering therapy.Methods:We review the current understanding of the structure and function of PCSK9 as well as its implications for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.Results:New treatments such as monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 may be useful agents to lower plasma levels of LDL and hence prevent atherosclerosis.Conclusion:PCSK9's mechanism of action is not yet fully clarified. However, treatments that target PCSK9 have shown striking early efficacy and promise to improve the lives of countless patients with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Efficacy and Safety of Evolocumab in Reducing Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Chinese Patients with Non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohan Xu ◽  
Meng Chai ◽  
Yujing Cheng ◽  
Pingan Peng ◽  
Xiaoli Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Statin Treatment ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
St Segment Elevation ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
St Segment

Aims: To explore early intensive lipid-lowering therapy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Background: Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels can reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Due to many reasons, the need for early intensive lipid-lowering therapy is far from being met in Chinese NSTE-ACS patients at high-risk of recurrent ischaemic events. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of starting evolocumab in hospital to lower LDL-C levels in Chinese patients with NSTE-ACS. Methods: In this prospective cohort study initiated by researchers, 334 consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS who had sub-standard LDL-C levels (LDL-C ≥2.3 mmol/L after regular oral statin treatment for at least 4 weeks; or LDL-C ≥3.2 mmol/L without regular oral statin treatment) were included. Patients who agreed to treatment with evolocumab (140 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks, initiated in hospital and used for 12 weeks after discharge) were enrolled in the evolocumab group (n=96) and others in the control group (n=238). All enrolled patients received regular statin treatment (atorvastatin 20 mg/day or rosuvastatin 10 mg/day; doses unchanged throughout the study).The primary endpoint was the change in LDL-C levels from baseline to week 12. Results: Most patients (67.1%) had not received regular statin treatment before. In the evolocumab group, LDL-C levels decreased significantly at week 4 and remained stable at week 8 and 12 (all p<0.001). At week 12, the LDL-C percentage change from baseline in the evolocumab group was -79.2±12.7% (from an average of 3.7 to 0.7 mmol/L), while in the control group it was -37.4±15.4% (from an average of 3.3 to 2.0 mmol/L). The mean difference between these 2 groups was -41.8% (95% CI -45.0 to -38.5%; p<0.001). At week 12, the proportions of patients with LDL-C levels <1.8 mmol/L and 1.4 mmol/L in the evolocumab group were significantly higher than in the control group (96.8 vs 36.1%; 90.6 vs 7.1%; both p<0.001). The incidence of adverse events and cardiovascular events was similar in both groups. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study we evaluated the early initiation of evolocumab in NSTE-ACS patients in China. Evolocumab combined with statins significantly lowered LDL-C levels and increased the probability of achieving recommended LDL-C levels, with satisfactory safety and well tolerance.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Lipid Lowering Effect of Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) in Comparison with Rosuvastatin in Rats by Using Ace-alera® Analyzer

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Milk Thistle ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Hypolipidemic Effect ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Therapeutic Protocols

Dyslipidemia is a metabolic disorder that is characterized with an elevation in the cholesterol serum levels that can be treated with various hypolipidemic drugs like rosuvastatin. The present study was undertaken to determine and evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of milk thistle seeds extract in comparison with rosuvastatin and the combination of both for the treatment of dyslipidemia in rats. Also its effect on blood glucose levels on experimentally induced dyslipidemic rats. In vivo studies were conducted on wister albino laboratory rats, in which 49 rats were induced to be dyslipidemic by a daily intragastric administration of cholesterol (2 g/kg). The induction of dyslipidemia was evaluated by comparing these rats with a negative control group that was composed of 10 healthy rats. Then, after one month dyslipidemia was induced in 49 rats that were divided into 6 groups, as the following; positive control group (n=9) received cholesterol (2 g/kg) for another one month, and the other five groups each of 8 rats continued to receive cholesterol (2 g/kg) for one month along with therapy as; rosuvastatin low dose (RL) group received 10 mg/kg, rosuvastatin high dose (RH) group received 20 mg/kg, milk thistle (MT) group received 7.15 mg/kg, (RL+MT) group received a combination of 10 mg/kg of rosuvastatin and 7.15 mg/kg of milk thistle, and (RH+MT) group received a combination of 20 mg/kg of rosuvastatin and 7.15 mg/kg of milk thistle. The statistical results of biochemical analysis showed that all the studied therapeutic protocols whether given alone; RL, RH, and MT or in a combination; RL+MT and RH+MT led to a significant (p≤0.05) hypolipidemic effect that reduced the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and increased the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. In conclusion, all therapeutic protocols were effective in treating dyslipidemia, as they all reduced the TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL, and increased the HDL cholesterol significantly (p≤0.05). Furthermore, we found that milk thistle can be used in the management of dyslipidemia, as it has a hypolipidemic effect. Also, the addition of milk thistle to rosuvastatin therapy reduced the risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM), as it has a glucose modulating activity either when it was given alone or in combination with rosuvastatin. Moreover, the combination of milk thistle and rosuvastatin was of a great benefit, as it gave an intensive goal of therapy than each one alone in altering all lipid profile parameters.

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1): a crucial driver of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Akhmedov ◽  
Tatsuya Sawamura ◽  
Chu-Huang Chen ◽  
Simon Kraler ◽  
Daria Vdovenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidized Ldl ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Plaque Formation ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Atheromatous Plaques

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), specifically lipid-driven atherosclerotic CVDs, remain the number one cause of death worldwide. The lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1), a scavenger receptor that promotes endothelial dysfunction by inducing pro-atherogenic signalling and plaque formation via the endothelial uptake of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and electronegative LDL, contributes to the initiation, progression, and destabilization of atheromatous plaques, eventually leading to the development of myocardial infarction and certain forms of stroke. In addition to its expression in endothelial cells, LOX-1 is expressed in macrophages, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, further implicating this receptor in multiple aspects of atherosclerotic plaque formation. LOX-1 holds promise as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for certain CVDs; therefore, understanding the molecular structure and function of LOX-1 is of critical importance. In this review, we highlight the latest scientific findings related to LOX-1, its ligands, and their roles in the broad spectrum of CVDs. We describe recent findings from basic research, delineate their translational value, and discuss the potential of LOX-1 as a novel target for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of related CVDs.

scholarly journals Effect of Lutein in the expression of PPARα and LDLR in hypercholesterolemic male Wistar Rats

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soundarya Priyadharsini K. ◽  
Nirmala P. ◽  
Ashok Kumar P. ◽  
Krishna Prasad T.
Keyword(s):  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Group I ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a well known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα), a member of this nuclear receptor family, has emerged as an important player in this scenario, with evidence supporting a central co-ordinated role in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and inflammatory and vascular responses, all of which would be predicted to reduce atherosclerotic risk. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) is the primary pathway for removal of cholesterol from the circulation, and its activity is meticulously governed by intracellular cholesterol levels. Hence in this study we investigated the effect of Lutein on PPARα and LDLR expression in liver of wistar rats.Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 each. Group I served as control. Group II III, IV, V and VI rats were received high cholesterol diet. Group III was treated with Atorvastatin 5mg/kg. Group IV, V and VI rats were treated with 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of Lutein. After 16 weeks, liver tissue samples were collected from all the groups of animals to evaluate the expression of PPARα and LDLR.Results: The expression of Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) was significantly increased in Lutein treated hypercholesterolemic male wistar rats.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Lutein activates LDL receptor and PPARα in hypercholesterolemic male wistar rats.

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