Millet shell polyphenols ameliorate atherosclerosis development by suppressing foam cell formation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Nutraceuticals
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Polyphenols are plant-derived bioactive compounds utilized for disease prevention.
• Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease characterized by plaque formation.
• Foam cell formation is a critical early event in atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of millet shell polyphenols (MSPs) on preventing atherosclerosis.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which MSPs inhibit foam cell formation.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies on macrophages and HASMCs.
• Analysis of inflammatory factor secretion (IL-1β, TNF-α).
• Assessment of STAT3 and NF-κB expression.
• Gene expression analysis of SMMHC, DES, SMTN, and ELN.
• In vivo experiments using ApoE-/- mice.

Main Results:

• MSPs inhibited lipid phagocytosis by macrophages and reduced IL-1β and TNF-α secretion via STAT3 and NF-κB pathways.
• MSPs hindered macrophage-derived foam cell formation.
• MSPs promoted HASMC transformation, inhibiting lipid phagocytosis and smooth muscle cell-derived foam cell formation.
• MSPs increased HDL-C levels in ApoE-/- mice.

Conclusions:

• MSPs effectively prevent atherosclerosis by impeding foam cell production through multiple cellular mechanisms.
• MSPs represent a potential therapeutic strategy for early-stage cardiovascular disease prevention.
• This study provides an integrative approach for thwarting atherosclerotic plaque formation.