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Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bioactive Compounds in Atherosclerosis
Ştefan Horia Roşian1,2, Ioana Boarescu3,4, Paul-Mihai Boarescu4,5
1"Niculae Stăncioiu" Heart Institute Cluj-Napoca, 400001 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Insights
Bioactive compounds like polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids can combat atherosclerosis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review explores their potential as complementary therapies for cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a major global health issue driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
- These processes lead to endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, and plaque instability.
- Bioactive compounds show promise in mitigating these pathological mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which bioactive compounds modulate oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerosis.
- To explore the effects of specific compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- To highlight their therapeutic potential as complementary strategies for atherosclerosis management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on bioactive compounds and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of molecular pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Examination of effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).
Main Results:
- Bioactive compounds demonstrate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties relevant to atherosclerosis.
- They inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and suppress nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling.
- Modulation of inflammatory cytokines and promotion of vascular health are observed.
Conclusions:
- Dietary and supplemental bioactive compounds offer therapeutic potential for atherosclerosis.
- These compounds can serve as complementary strategies to conventional treatments.
- Further research and clinical applications are warranted to validate their efficacy.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and immune cells within arterial walls, remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are central to its pathogenesis, driving endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, and plaque instability. Emerging evidence highlights the potential of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to mitigate these processes and promote vascular health. This review explores the mechanisms through which bioactive compounds-such as polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and other natural compounds-modulate oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerosis. It examines their effects on key molecular pathways, including the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and modulation of inflammatory cytokines. By integrating current knowledge, this review underscores the therapeutic potential of dietary and supplemental bioactive compounds as complementary strategies for managing atherosclerosis, paving the way for future research and clinical applications.
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