Cholesterol-lowering Properties Research Articles

A concise review of the nutritional profiles, microbial dynamics, and health impacts of fermented mushrooms.

Mushrooms have garnered significant attention for their nutritional composition and potential health benefits, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, and cholesterol-lowering properties. This review explores the nutritional composition of edible mushrooms, including their high protein content, essential amino acids, low fat, cholesterol levels, and bioactive compounds with medicinal value. Moreover, the study analyzes the microbiology of mushroom fermentation, focusing on the diverse microbial ecosystem involved in the transformation of raw mushrooms and the preservation methods employed to extend their shelf life. Special emphasis is placed on lactic acid fermentation as a cost-effective and efficient preservation technique. It involves controlling the growth of lactic acid bacteria to enhance the microbial stability and nutritional quality of mushrooms. Furthermore, the bioactivities of fermented mushrooms are elucidated, which are antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-glycemic, immune modulatory, and other biological activities. The mechanisms underlying these bioactivities are explored, emphasizing the role of fermented mushrooms in suppressing free radicals, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and modulating immune responses. Overall, this review provides comprehensive insights into the nutritional composition, microbiology, bioactivities, and underlying mechanisms of fermented mushrooms, highlighting their potential as functional foods with significant health-promoting properties.

#1656 Ezetimibe improves diabetic nephropathy by upregulating Nrf2 to alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress

Abstract Background and Aims Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus, stands as the primary contributor to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The progression of diabetic nephropathy is facilitated by endoplasmic reticulum stress and the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition to its cholesterol-lowering properties, recent research has revealed that ezetimibe also ameliorates insulin resistance and glucose intolerance abnormalities, and is also beneficial in chronic kidney disease. However, the specific impact of ezetimibe on diabetic nephropathy and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate the effect of ezetimibe on diabetic nephropathy and elucidate its mechanism. Method In vivo experiments were conducted using C57BL/6J mice, with a total of 24 mice randomly assigned to three groups: NC, DM, and EZE (10 mg/kg/day). In vitro experiments involved the treatment of human renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells with ezetimibe (50 μM) and high glucose (30 mmol/L) for 48 hours. Then, combined with histopathological examination, biochemical evaluation, TUNEL stain, western blot analysis, Si-RNA transfection, transmission electron microscopy and ROS probe were used to detect the renal morphology and function, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis level. Results The results demonstrated that a 10-week treatment with ezetimibe led to significant improvements in urine volume, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). The administration of ezetimibe in the treatment exhibited enhancements in glomerular hypertrophy and renal tubular vacuolization, as well as mesangial matrix expansion and glomerular basement membrane thickness, in diabetic mice. Additionally, ezetimibe treatment resulted in a reduction in ROS formation by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), through the activation of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, ezetimibe administration partially reversed the increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins, including activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), in DN mice. Ezetimibe demonstrated inhibitory effects on the accumulation of ROS and alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress in HK-2 cells treated with high glucose. Furthermore, electron microscopy analysis revealed that ezetimibe effectively reduced the distension and dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress effect of ezetimibe was significantly diminished following transfection with si-Nrf2. These findings suggest that ezetimibe exerts its anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress effect, at least in part, by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing ROS levels through the upregulation of Nrf2. Conclusion In summary, our research findings demonstrate the notable contribution of endoplasmic reticulum stress to the progression of DN. Through the up-regulation of Nrf2, ezetimibe effectively mitigates ROS generation in the context of DN, consequently ameliorating the adverse consequences of ERS, restoring equilibrium within the endoplasmic reticulum, and ultimately safeguarding against renal cell demise. Ezetimibe is an attractive potential therapy for the treatment of DN.

Effect of Lupeol on the Expression of Neuro Inflammatory Signalling Molecules in Brain Tissues of High Fat Diet and Sucrose Fed Type-2 Diabetic Rats

Lupeol has anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-protozoal, anti-proliferative, anti-invasion, anti-angiogenic and cholesterol-lowering properties. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of lupeol on neuroinflammatory signalling molecules have not yet been identified. The study was designed to study the effect of lupeol on the expression of inflammatory signalling molecules in brain tissue of high-fat diet and sucrose-fed type-2 diabetic rats. Adult male albino rats of Wistar 150–180 days old with 180–200 g body weight (b.wt) were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group I: Control (vehicle-treated): Group II: High fat diet-induced type-2 diabetic rats; Group III: Type-2 diabetic rats treated with lupeol (25 mg/kg b.wt/day) orally for 30 days and Group IV: Type-2 diabetic rats treated with metformin (50 mg/kg, b.wt/day orally for 30 days. After 30 days of treatment, the animals were anaesthetized, and brain tissue was dissected and used for the assessment of mRNA expression analysis. Type-2 diabetic animals showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA levels in brain tissue in high-fat diet-induced type-2 diabetic animals. However, lupeol treatment, effectively reduced (p<0.05) the neuroinflammatory signaling molecules (TNF- α and IL-6 mRNA) showing that lupeol has significant role over the control of neuroinflammatory signaling. Our present findings clearly show that lupeol has a significant role in reducing neuroinflammation via the downregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 in brain tissues and hence, lupeol can be a potential natural drug for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Dihydrostilbenes and flavonoids from whole plants of Jacobaea vulgaris

The isolation of previously undescribed 12 compounds from the MeOH extract of Jacobaea vulgaris whole plants is disclosed, comprising 11 dihydrostilbenes (1–11) and one flavanone (12), and eight known compounds (six flavonoids, one dihydrostilbene, and one caffeoylquinic acid). Structural elucidation employed spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS, and ECD calculations. Evaluation of the compounds’ effects on PCSK9 and LDLR mRNA expression revealed that compounds 1 and 3 downregulated PCSK9 mRNA while increasing LDLR mRNA expression, suggesting potential cholesterol-lowering properties.

Essential Oils for the Treatment and Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by excessive liver fat accumulation, is a common liver disease linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. The lack of effective treatments against NAFLD has led to an increasing focus on alternative and natural remedies. Essential oils, extracted from a variety of plants, have drawn interest due to their high content of active compounds and potential functions to support liver health. Ginger essential oil, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering properties, promotes antioxidant enzymes and ameliorates liver fat accumulation in mice model of NAFLD. Nigella sativa oil with its diverse array of bioactive components, mitigates fatty liver by lowering tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malonaldehyde (MDA), and plasma lipids in vivo and in human trials that could contribute to NAFLD management. Garlic oil, rich in organosulfur compounds, has shown potential benefits in modulating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with NAFLD. Similarly, essential oils from turmeric, pepper, patchouli, and basil reduced lipid accumulation and inflammation and enhanced lipid metabolism in animal models of NAFLD. These findings underscore the use of essential oils as complementary medicines for NAFLD, opening avenues for further research and clinical applications.

Unveiling the Health Benefits of Prebiotics: A Comprehensive Review.

Prebiotics play a pivotal role in fostering probiotics, essential contributors to the creation and maintenance of a conducive environment for beneficial microbiota within the human gut. To qualify as a prebiotic, a substance must demonstrate resilience to stomach enzymes, acidic pH levels, and intestinal bacteria, remaining unabsorbed in the digestive system while remaining accessible to gut microflora. The integration of prebiotics and probiotics into our daily diet establishes a cornerstone for optimal health, a priority for health-conscious consumers emphasizing nutrition that supports a balanced gut flora. Prebiotics offer diverse biological functions in humans, exhibiting antiobesity, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-lowering properties, along with preventing digestive disorders. Numerous dietary fibers possessing prebiotic attributes are inadvertently present in our diets, emphasizing the broader significance of prebiotics. It is crucial to recognize that, while all dietary fibers are prebiotics, not all prebiotics fall under the category of dietary fibers. The versatile applications of prebiotics extend across various industries, such as dairy, bakery, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other food products. This comprehensive review provides insights into different prebiotics, encompassing their sources, chemical compositions, and applications within the food industry.

Prophylactic Supplementation with Lactobacillus Reuteri or Its Metabolite GABA Protects Against Acute Ischemic Cardiac Injury.

The gut microbiome has emerged as a potential target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) after myocardial infarction is a serious complication and whether certain gut bacteria can serve as a treatment option remains unclear. Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a well-studied probiotic that can colonize mammals including humans with known cholesterol-lowering properties and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, the prophylactic cardioprotective effects of L. reuteri or its metabolite γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) against acute ischemic cardiac injury caused by I/R surgery are demonstrated. The prophylactic gavage of L. reuteri or GABA confers cardioprotection mainly by suppressingcardiac inflammation upon I/R. Mechanistically, GABA gavage results in a decreased number of proinflammatory macrophages in I/R hearts and GABA gavage no longer confers any cardioprotection in I/R hearts upon the clearance of macrophages. In vitro studies with LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) further reveal that GABA inhibits the polarization of macrophages toward the proinflammatory M1 phenotype by inhibiting lysosomal leakage and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Together, this study demonstrates that the prophylactic oral administration of L. reuteri or its metabolite GABA attenuates macrophage-mediated cardiac inflammation and therefore alleviates cardiac dysfunction after I/R, thus providing a new prophylactic strategy to mitigate acute ischemic cardiac injury.

Differences among Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains isolated from different fermented foods in their potential cholesterol-lowering properties

Elevated levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol have been associated with incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Animal studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that several Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains are effective in reducing plasma LDL cholesterol levels. However, it is unclear whether the habitats from which Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains are isolated have an impact on their potential cholesterol-lowering properties. In this study, 107 Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains isolated from three habitats (20 isolated from fermented dairy products, 23 from fermented grape must, and 64 from fermented vegetables) were compared for their potential cholesterol-lowering properties on an origin scale. These properties included acid resistance, bile tolerance, surface hydrophobicity, and bile acid deconjugation. The results showed that the fermented dairy products-derived strains were the most bile-tolerant and hydrophobic, the fermented grape must-derived strains were the most effective at hydrolyzing conjugated bile acids, and the fermented vegetables-derived strains were the most acid-resistant. Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) genes were detected in 97.2% of the total strains and 100% of the fermented dairy products-derived strains by standard PCR with agarose gel electrophoresis detection. In the 104 bsh genes-containing strains, 92.3% had detectable BSH activity (n = 96). These BSH-positive strains exhibited a greater substrate preference for glycine-conjugated bile acids than taurine-conjugated bile acids. Overall, the fermented dairy products-derived strains appeared to have greater cholesterol-lowering potential than those isolated from the other two habitats. This study provided valuable information regarding where to obtain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains with greater cholesterol-lowering potential.

The influence of chitosan on plant growth and -sitosterol content in adventitious roots of Talinum paniculatum in NFT hydroponic cultivation system

Beta-sitosterol is the most abundant type of phytosterol found in nature and it offers numerous health benefits for humans including anticancer, antidiabetic, and blood cholesterol-lowering properties. One biomass with a significant beta-sitosterol content is the Javanese ginseng root (Talinum paniculatum). However, Javanese ginseng has not been fully exploited and is often perceived as a mere wild plant. This research was conducted by cultivating Javanese ginseng using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic method along with the addition of chitosan elicitors at various concentrations: 0, 12.5, 25, and 50 ppm. The purpose of this research was to determine the optimal chitosan concentration for the growth of Javanese ginseng, the beta-sitosterol content, and the productivity of -sitosterol in Javanese ginseng roots. The research revealed that a 12.5 ppm chitosan concentration could increase the root weight by 8.785 g and the shoot weight by 88 g. The growth rate increased to 3.457 g/day and the productivity of -sitosterol in the roots reached 25.084 mg/m2/month. On the other hand, the addition of chitosan led to a decrease in the root-to-shoot ratio, indicating an improved cultivation environment compared to cultivation without chitosan. Furthermore, the results of the research also indicated that the addition of chitosan did not affect the β-sitosterol content in the Javanese ginseng adventitious roots. Therefore, it can be concluded that the optimal chitosan concentration that positively impacts Javanese ginseng cultivated using the NFT hydroponic method is 12.5 ppm because chitosan generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which causing plant damage and cell death when threshold exceeded.

Statin therapy: a potential adjuvant to immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and accounts for more than 90% of primary liver cancer. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related therapies combined with angiogenesis inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of HCC in late-stage and unresectable HCC, as ICIs alone were disappointing in treating HCC. In addition to the altered immune microenvironment, abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver has been extensively characterized in various types of HCC. Stains are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties and their long history of treating hypercholesterolemia and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Apart from ICI and other conventional therapies, statins are frequently used by advanced HCC patients with dyslipidemia, which is often marked by the abnormal accumulation of cholesterol and fatty acids in the liver. Supported by a body of preclinical and clinical studies, statins may unexpectedly enhance the efficacy of ICI therapy in HCC patients through the regulation of inflammatory responses and the immune microenvironment. This review discusses the abnormal changes in lipid metabolism in HCC, summarizes the clinical evidence and benefits of stain use in HCC, and prospects the possible mechanistic actions of statins in transforming the immune microenvironment in HCC when combined with immunotherapies. Consequently, the use of statin therapy may emerge as a novel and valuable adjuvant for immunotherapies in HCC.

Therapeutic potential of Simvastatin and Doxycycline combination for Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder resulting from Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation. It leads to a decrease in memory and an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species and also increases Tubulin-associated unit phosphorylation. During AD, the cholesterol levels in the brain increase, and these regions are called lipid rafts. These lipid rafts are hosts for β and γ secretases. As a result, mono fibrils develop, which leads to Aβ oligomerization and, eventually, Aβ accumulation. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Simvastatin (cholesterol synthesis inhibitor) and Doxycycline (anti-amyloidogenic drug) for Aβ clearance in an Aβ-induced AD model, in female C57BL/6 mice. The mice were evaluated for spatial memory and olfactory sensation using the Morris water maze and Buried pellet test, respectively. The group treated with the combination of Simvastatin and Doxycycline at two different concentrations showed a recovery of memory and olfactory sensation when compared to the control group. The results have shown that the high-dose combination of Simvastatin and Doxycycline exhibits cholesterol lowering property by blocking the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase pathway, thereby regulating cholesterol, and eventually resulting in anti-Alzheimer’s activity.

Cholesterol lowering in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic mice using Lactobacillus bile salt hydrolases with different substrate specificities.

The cholesterol-lowering effect of lactic acid bacteria with high activity of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) is unclear. We believe that distinguishing BSH substrate specificity is necessary to study the effect of various BSH enzymes. We engineered a BSH mutant enzyme recombinant strain named F67A, which exclusively hydrolyzes taurocholic acid (TCA) using site-directed mutagenesis, and a previously lab-constructed BSH recombinant strain, YB81 that exclusively hydrolyzes glycocholic acid (GCA). We also constructed the recombinant strain named NB5462, which carries the empty pSIP411 plasmid and was used as a blank control strain. The intestinal flora in pseudo-germ-free (PGF) mice in which intestinal flora were eliminated via antibiotics, and F67A successfully reduced serum cholesterol levels in high-cholesterol diet-fed mice, whereas YB81 did not yield the same results. However, YB81 regained its cholesterol-lowering capacity in specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice with intact intestinal flora. The cholesterol-lowering mechanism of F67A involved modifying the bile acid pool through BSH enzyme activity. This adjustment regulated the expression of intestinal farnesoid X receptor and subsequently elevated hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), effectively reducing cholesterol levels. Conversely, GCA, the substrate of YB81, was found in minimal quantities in mice, preventing it from inducing changes in bile acid pools. In the presence of intestinal flora, the YB81 BSH enzyme induced notable alterations in bile acids by regulating changes in the intestinal flora and BSH within the flora, ultimately resulting in cholesterol reduction. This is the first study investigating the substrate specificity of BSH, demonstrating that different substrate-specific BSH enzymes exhibit cholesterol-lowering properties. Additionally, we elaborate on the mechanism of BSH-mediated enterohepatic axis regulation.

Millets for Nutrition Security in India

Millets are nutri-cereals, ancient crops, farmer friendly, climate resilient, energy-efficient and sustainable crops. The nutritional properties of each millet are unique but overall, they are nutritionally superior to white rice and refined wheat when consumed in whole grain forms. Millets being rich in complex carbohydrates contain higher levels of insoluble fibre and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Pigmented millets are rich in phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and are reported to have several health benefits which include antioxidant, antimicrobial and blood sugar and cholesterol lowering properties etc. These were established through in vitro, animal feeding and human feeding trials. In India refined grain-based diets which are deficient in pulses are being consumed. There is therefore a need for alternative cereal staples and this is where millets can help. Processing is known to impact the nutritional properties of millets. Dehulling / polishing reduces dietary fibre, vitamins and mineral contents while increasing available carbohydrates. Such millets are nutritionally inferior as they can increase the glycemic load. Characterization of millet germplasm, landraces for nutritional property and phytochemicals can be helpful to identify millets with superior nutritional qualities. The glycemic index of millet foods ranges from low to high, is unique for each millet food. Inclusion of pulses and soluble fibres in millet foods is helpful in lowering the glycemic response. Continuous glucose monitoring studies showed that finger millet diets as compared to white rice diets produced 18% lower fasting insulin levels. Studies on the drivers and barriers of millet consumption, millet consumption patterns will provide more insights on the preferred forms of millet foods. There is a need for data base on the nutritional and glycemic properties of millets and this can help create a millet food atlas. Collaboration between different stake holders along millet value chain is essential to promote healthier forms of millets in this population.

The effects of functional cereal rich in beta-glucan on cardiovascular health

The prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases remains a global health concern. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary modifications, have been identified as viable risk reduction strategies. This study seeks to evaluate the potential benefits of beta-glucan-rich functional cereals, such as Uncle Tobys Oats, in reducing the risk of these diseases. Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber known for its cholesterol-lowering properties, and beta-glucan-rich functional cereals provide a convenient way to incorporate this healthful nutrient into daily diets. This study compares the nutritional profile of Uncle Tobys Oats, a representative beta-glucan-rich functional cereal, to that of other common breakfast options, such as Rice Bubbles cereal and Vegemite on toast, based on calorie content, macronutrient distribution, and the presence of essential vitamins and minerals. It is anticipated that the results of this study will contribute to public health recommendations for dietary interventions intended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Fermented soy milk with cholesterol-lowering potential: Probiotics screening, physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and volatile composition

In recent years, probiotics and soybean foods have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. However, the unique soybean flavor limits the popularity of soy milk (water extract of soybeans), but probiotics fermentation has been confirmed to reduce soybean flavors and improve the cholesterol-lowering ability. In this study, we obtained a potential probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101) via the investigation of cholesterol-lowering properties, probiotic properties, safety, and fermented soy milk performance. Furthermore, we found that P101 fermentation improved the antioxidant activity and texture of soy milk. Subsequent analysis revealed that P101 fermentation enhanced the cholesterol-lowering ability of soy milk through improved isoflavone bioavailability and reduced cholesterol solubility. Moreover, P101 fermentation increased the level of ester aromatic substances (hexyl methanoate) while decreasing the content of soybean flavor substances (1-octene-3-alcohol and hexanal). Finally, we assessed the storage stability of fermented soy milk and found its quality remained consistent when stored at 4 °C for 20 days. Consequently, it can serve as a cholesterol-lowering alternative to cow's milk.

Current and New Insights on Delivery Systems for Plant Sterols in Food.

Plant sterols are minor bioactive components of food lipids, which are often used for the formulation of functional foods due to their cholesterol-lowering properties. However, they have low solubility and tend to crystallize, which may affect their biological effects, the sensory profile of the sterol-enriched food, and its consumer acceptability. Moreover, due to the unsaturated structure of sterols, they are susceptible to oxidation, so different encapsulation systems have been developed to improve their dispersibility/solubility, stability, delivery, and bioaccessibility. This chapter provides an overview of the main encapsulation systems currently used for plant sterols and their application in model and food systems, with a particular focus on their efficiency and impact on sterol bioaccessibility.

Insight on Extraction and Preservation of Biological Activity of Cereal β-D-Glucans

β-glucan is a soluble nonstarchy polysaccharide widely found in yeasts, fungi, bacteria, algae, barley, and oats. The cereal β-D-glucans are considered a functional food ingredient due to their numerous health benefits. Its high molecular weight and high viscosity are responsible for its cholesterol-lowering and hypoglycemic properties, which are based on scientific evidence collected in recent decades, both by the FDA and EFSA, which has allowed the reporting of health claims concerning the lowering of cholesterol and the control of the glycemic response exhibited by β-D-glucans from barley and oats. Considering that the biofunctional properties of β-D-glucans are closely linked to their structural and conformational properties, it is of primary importance to implement extraction and processing methods that guarantee these molecules’ preservation and the maximum functionality of these molecules.

Moringa Oleifera: Phytochemistry, pharmacology

The retrospective research on the Moringa Oleifera at the molecular level are reviewed in this study. The family Moringaceae includes roughly thirteen different species of moringa trees. The most well-known species of moringa is Moringa Oleifera Lam are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Many tropical and subtropical nations support the growth of the Moringa Oleifera Lam. tree. Commercial cultivation occurs in regions including South and Central America, Africa, India, Hawaii, Mexico, and Asia. M. oleifera's seeds, leaves, roots, and flowers are frequently employed in traditional medicine, while the immature pods, leaves, and seed are utilised as food ingredients for human consumption. M. oleifera leaf extracts are essential for animal safety investigations and antioxidant activities. No negative impacts on humans have been reported thus far. Studies utilising powdered M. oleifera leaf preparations have shown anti-dyslipidemic and anti-diabetic effects. Leaf extracts and powders were used on animals to confirm these actions. Alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, and phenolic acids are the compounds responsible for the effects. This study's objective was to examine M. oleifera as a potential miracle tree and place more emphasis on its applications. Therefore, it is necessary to research the standardised M. oleifera leaf extracts that have a wide variety of applications. Future research would use this study's findings as a backdrop. They also have antitumor, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Ezetimibe Induces Vasodilation in Rat Mesenteric Resistance Arteries through Inhibition of Extracellular Ca2+ Influx.

Ezetimibe is a lipid-lowering agent that selectively inhibits cholesterol absorption by binding to the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) protein. Although it is well known that administration of ezetimibe in hypercholesterolemia patients reduces the risk of cardiovascular events through attenuation of atherosclerosis, studies on the direct effect of ezetimibe on vascular function are not sufficient. The aim of the present study was to investigate the vascular effects of ezetimibe in rat mesenteric arteries. In the present study, 12-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were used. After the rats were sacrificed, the second branches of the mesenteric arteries were isolated and cut into 2-3 mm segments and mounted in a multi-wire myography system to measure isometric tension. Ezetimibe reduced vasoconstriction induced by U46619 (500 nM) in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded arteries. Ezetimibe-induced vasodilation was not affected by the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor Nω-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 300 μM) or the non-selective potassium channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM). Moreover, ezetimibe also completely blocked the contraction induced by an increase in external calcium concentration. Ezetimibe significantly reduced vascular contraction induced by L-type Ca2+ channel activator (Bay K 8644, 30 nM). Treatment with ezetimibe decreased the phosphorylation level of 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC20) in vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we found that ezetimibe has a significant vasodilatory effect in rat mesenteric resistance arteries. These results suggest that ezetimibe may have beneficial cardiovascular effects beyond its cholesterol-lowering properties.

Possibilities of dapagliflozin-induced cardioprotection on doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide mode of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy

RationaleThe global burden of cardiovascular (CV) and oncological diseases continues to increase. In this regard, the prevention of CV diseases (CVD) before and after cancer treatment is an urgent and unsolved problem in medicine. For this reason, our research group aimed to investigate the possibility of dapagliflozin-related cardioprotection, using an experimental model of chronic Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) + Cyclophosphamide (AC)-mode of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. ObjectiveThe redox balance, lipid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial damage parameters were measured to evaluate the pathways of dapagliflozin-induced stabilization of CV homeostasis. MethodsFor this study, 80 inbred Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four equally sized groups. A model of chronic cardiotoxicity was attained by using doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide co-administration. In the case, the markers of redox-balance, cholesterol metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, myocardial alteration, and morphological examination were assessed. ResultsFor all parameters, statistically significant deviations were obtained, emphasizing the sequel of AC-mode chemotherapy-related detergent effect on CV system (group 2). Moreover, the data obtained from dapagliflozin-treated groups (group 3) showed that this strategy provide limitation of lipid peroxidation, cholesterol metabolism and endothelial function normalization, with subsequent morphological preservation of myocardium. ConclusionDapagliflozin has a broad spectrum of pleiotropic influences, namely cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and endothelium-stabilizing properties. These properties provide a favorable environment for the prevention of chemotherapy-related cardiomyopathy.