Triterpenoids from Chios Mastiha Resin Against MASLD-A Molecular Docking Survey

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition lacking specific drug treatments.
• NAFLD has been redefined as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to emphasize its metabolic underpinnings.
• Chios mastiha resin shows potential therapeutic benefits for MASLD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of 16 compounds from Chios mastiha resin as therapeutic agents for MASLD.
• To evaluate the binding affinities of these compounds to key receptors involved in MASLD pathogenesis using molecular docking.

Main Methods:

• Utilized molecular docking simulations to assess ligand-receptor interactions.
• Screened 16 compounds from Chios mastiha resin.
• Targeted receptors included GR, LXRα/β, PPARα/γ, MC4R, AMPK, and VEGFR2, all implicated in MASLD.

Main Results:

• Compounds exhibited moderate to high binding affinity for LXR, GR, MC4R, and PPARγ receptors.
• Binding affinity for PPARα, AMPK, and VEGFR2 was less significant.
• The study identified specific Chios mastiha compounds with potential MASLD-modulating properties.

Conclusions:

• Chios mastiha resin contains compounds with promising therapeutic potential for MASLD.
• The combined action of multiple active compounds may offer a superior strategy for managing complex MASLD metabolic pathways.
• Further research into Chios mastiha's therapeutic applications for MASLD is warranted.