Anti-atherosclerotic effect of tetrahydroxy stilbene glucoside via dual-targeting of hepatic lipid metabolisms and aortic M2 macrophage polarization in ApoE-/- mice

Abstract

Tetrahydroxy stilbene glucoside (TSG) is a water-soluble natural product that has shown potential in treating atherosclerosis (AS). However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that an 8-week TSG treatment (100 mg/kg/d) significantly reduces atherosclerotic lesions and alleviates dyslipidemia symptoms in ApoE-/- mice. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic analysis reveals differences in both lipid components and water-soluble metabolites in the livers of AS mice compared to control groups, and TSG treatment shifts the metabolic profiles of AS mice towards a normal state. At the transcriptional level, TSG significantly restores the expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (Srepb-1c, Fasn, Scd1, Gpat1, Dgat1, Pparα and Cpt1α), and regulates the expression levels of disturbed cholesterol metabolism-related genes (Srebp2, Hmgcr, Ldlr, Acat1, Acat2 and Cyp7a1) associated with lipid metabolism. Furthermore, at the cellular level, TSG remarkably polarizes aortic macrophages to their M2 phenotype. Our data demonstrate that TSG alleviates arthrosclerosis by dual-targeting to hepatic lipid metabolism and aortic M2 macrophage polarization in ApoE-/- mice, with significant implications for translational medicine and the treatment of AS using natural products.