Targeting 7-ketocholesterol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation: Guggulsterone as a novel vascular protectant

7-Ketocholesterol (7-KC), a prominent oxysterol found in oxidized LDL, plays a central role in atherosclerosis through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, NF-κB activation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Guggulsterone (GGS), a bioactive steroid from Commiphora mukul, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and FXR-antagonistic properties. This work highlights guggulsterone's ability to counteract 7-KC-induced endothelial injury by inhibiting NF-κB translocation, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulating apoptosis. These multimodal effects suggest guggulsterone as a promising natural agent for vascular protection. A systems-based pharmacological approach may further define its therapeutic utility in oxysterol-driven cardiovascular diseases.