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Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
Natural Flavonoids Derived From Fruits Are Potential Agents Against Atherosclerosis
Ruo-Lan Li1, Ling-Yu Wang1, Shuqin Liu2
1State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
Insights
Fruit-derived flavonoids show promise in combating atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition causing cardiovascular disease. Research reviews their potential mechanisms against key disease processes like endothelial dysfunction and foam cell accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Pharmacology
- Nutraceuticals
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases.
- It involves endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle cell migration, foam cell accumulation, and arterial plaque buildup.
- This can lead to severe outcomes like myocardial infarction and sudden death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and mechanisms of fruit-derived flavonoids in atherosclerosis.
- To explore their effects on key pathological processes of atherosclerosis.
- To provide a basis for developing flavonoid-based treatments for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Classification of flavonoids based on their chemical structures found in fruits.
- Review of existing literature on the effects of various flavonoids on atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of potential molecular mechanisms underlying flavonoid action in atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- Flavonoids exhibit diverse structures and are classified into groups like flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanins.
- Evidence suggests flavonoids can modulate endothelial cell function, smooth muscle cell behavior, and inflammatory responses.
- Specific flavonoids show potential in inhibiting foam cell formation and plaque progression.
Conclusions:
- Fruit-derived flavonoids represent a promising therapeutic avenue for atherosclerosis.
- Understanding their mechanisms can guide the development of novel pharmaceutical interventions.
- Further research into specific fruit flavonoids is warranted for drug development.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis, as a chronic inflammatory response, is one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is induced by endothelial cell dysfunction, migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells, accumulation of foam cells and inflammatory response, resulting in plaque accumulation, narrowing and hardening of the artery wall, and ultimately leading to myocardial infarction or sudden death and other serious consequences. Flavonoid is a kind of natural polyphenol compound widely existing in fruits with various structures, mainly including flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavanols, anthocyanins, isoflavones, and chalcone, etc. Because of its potential health benefits, it is now used in supplements, cosmetics and medicines, and researchers are increasingly paying attention to its role in atherosclerosis. In this paper, we will focus on several important nodes in the development of atherosclerotic disease, including endothelial cell dysfunction, smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, foam cell accumulation and inflammatory response. At the same time, through the classification of flavonoids from fruits, the role and potential mechanism of flavonoids in atherosclerosis were reviewed, providing a certain direction for the development of fruit flavonoids in the treatment of atherosclerosis drugs.
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