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Kimchi methanol extract and the kimchi active compound, 3'-(4'-hydroxyl-3',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)propionic acid,
Ye-Rang Yun1, Hyun-Ju Kim, Yeong-Ok Song
11 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kimchi Research Institute, Pusan National University , Busan, Korea.
Abstract:
Macrophage foam cell formation by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is a key step in the progression of atherosclerosis, which is involved in cholesterol influx and efflux in macrophages mediated by related proteins such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CD36, PPARα, liver-X receptor α (LXRα), and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of kimchi methanol extract (KME) and a kimchi active compound, 3-(4'-hydroxyl-3',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)propionic acid (HDMPPA) on cholesterol flux in THP-1-derived macrophages treated with oxLDL. The effects of KME and HDMPPA on cell viability and lipid peroxidation were determined. Furthermore, the protein expression of PPARγ, CD36, PPARα, LXRα, and ABCA1 was examined. OxLDL strongly induced cell death and lipid peroxidation in THP-1-derived macrophages. However, KME and HDMPPA significantly improved cell viability and inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by oxLDL in THP-1-derived macrophages (P<.05). Moreover, KME and HDMPPA suppressed CD36 and PPARγ expressions, both of which participate in cholesterol influx. In contrast, KME and HDMPPA augmented LXRα, PPARα, and ABCA1 expression, which are associated with cholesterol efflux. Consequently, KME and HDMPPA suppressed lipid accumulation. These results indicate that KME and HDMPPA may inhibit lipid accumulation, in part, by regulating cholesterol influx- and efflux-related proteins. These findings will thus be useful for future prevention strategies against atherosclerosis.
Insights
Kimchi extract and its compound HDMPPA protect macrophages from oxidized LDL damage. They regulate cholesterol proteins, reducing lipid accumulation and offering potential atherosclerosis prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nutritional Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophage foam cell formation, driven by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), is central to atherosclerosis development.
- This process involves intricate regulation of cholesterol influx and efflux pathways within macrophages.
- Key proteins like PPARγ, CD36, PPARα, LXRα, and ABCA1 mediate these cholesterol transport processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of kimchi methanol extract (KME) and its active compound, 3-(4'-hydroxyl-3',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)propionic acid (HDMPPA), on cholesterol metabolism in macrophages.
- To determine the impact of KME and HDMPPA on cell viability, lipid peroxidation, and the expression of key cholesterol transport proteins.
Main Methods:
- THP-1-derived macrophages were treated with oxLDL to induce foam cell formation.
- The effects of KME and HDMPPA on cell viability and lipid peroxidation were assessed.
- Protein expression levels of PPARγ, CD36, PPARα, LXRα, and ABCA1 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- OxLDL significantly increased cell death and lipid peroxidation, which were ameliorated by KME and HDMPPA.
- KME and HDMPPA suppressed the expression of cholesterol influx proteins (CD36 and PPARγ).
- KME and HDMPPA enhanced the expression of cholesterol efflux proteins (LXRα, PPARα, and ABCA1), leading to reduced lipid accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Kimchi methanol extract and HDMPPA demonstrate protective effects against oxLDL-induced cellular damage in macrophages.
- These compounds modulate cholesterol transport by downregulating influx and upregulating efflux pathways.
- KME and HDMPPA show potential as therapeutic agents for preventing or managing atherosclerosis by inhibiting lipid accumulation.
