Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of Oleanolic Acid (OA) on cholesterol metabolism and. MTT assays demonstrated that OA had no cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells at concentrations below 20 μM. Subsequent experiments focused on 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. OA significantly reduced HMGCR protein expression without affecting other enzymes. Further investigations revealed that OA reduced the protein and mRNA expression of HMGCR and its upstream regulator Sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) in HepG2 cells. OA activated Adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), enhancing HMGCR phosphorylation and inhibiting its activity. Molecular docking experiments suggested that OA could suppress HMGCR enzymatic activity through hydrophobic interactions, reducing catalytic efficiency. Overall, OA downregulated HMGCR expression and activity, leading to decreased cholesterol synthesis. These findings highlight OA’s regulatory role in cholesterol metabolism and its potential for improving atherosclerosis (AS), supporting its application in functional food development.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.