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Updated: Dec 13, 2025
07:59
A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
10.2K
Squalene: More than a Step toward Sterols
Marco Micera1,2, Alfonso Botto2, Federica Geddo1
1Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, 10123 Turin, Italy.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 5, 2020
Summary
Squalene (SQ), a natural antioxidant, shows promise for metabolic and oxidative stress disorders. However, its dual role in cardiovascular diseases requires further research for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Oxidative Stress
Background:
- Squalene (SQ) is a natural triterpene and a key intermediate in sterol biosynthesis.
- Its antioxidant properties are linked to its chemical structure, with evidence from ex vivo models.
- Oxidative stress and free radicals play significant roles in cardiovascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review endogenous and exogenous sources of squalene.
- To evaluate the antioxidant properties of squalene in cellular models.
- To elucidate the controversial role of squalene in cardiovascular physiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on squalene's sources and antioxidant activity.
- Analysis of ex vivo and cellular models investigating squalene's effects.
- Examination of research on squalene's impact on cardiovascular health.
Main Results:
- Squalene exhibits free radical scavenging activity in ex vivo models.
- Limited studies demonstrate squalene's effects in cellular oxidative stress models.
- Experimental results indicate a complex, double-edged role of squalene in cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Squalene's antioxidant potential warrants further investigation for metabolic and oxidative stress disorders.
- Understanding squalene's dual role in cardiovascular diseases is crucial for therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to clarify squalene's function in cardiovascular physiology.
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