Herbal dietary supplement: continuing to explore cardiovascular protection.

摘要

The initial step of atherogenesis is the development of so-called 'fatty streaks,' which are small, subendothelial deposits of monocyte-derived macrophages. Both the dysregulation of modified lipoprotein uptake and cholesterol efflux in macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis. Macrophage scavenger receptors, such as type A scavenger receptor (SR-A) and CD36, mediate foam cell formation by facilitating the uptake of modified lipids. On the other hand, reverse cholesterol transport is the primary mechanism by which high-density lipoprotein and its major protein, apolipoprotein A-l, protect against atherosclerosis. Specifically, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediates cholesterol efflux from macrophages to lipid-free apolipoprotein A-l. Any effective treatments for inhibiting the uptake of modified lipoproteins and/or enhancing cholesterol efflux are considered important anti-atherosclerotic drugs to prevent or delay the onset of cardiovascular events.