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Current Neurovascular Research

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ISSN (Print): 1567-2026
ISSN (Online): 1875-5739

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Research Article

Extract of Gualou-Xiebai Herb Pair Improves Lipid Metabolism Disorders by Enhancing the Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Atherosclerosis Mice

Author(s): Yarong Liu, Tian Wang, Lidan Ding, Zhenglong Li, Yexiang Zhang, Min Dai and Hongfei Wu*

Volume 21, Issue 2, 2024

Published on: 15 April, 2024

Page: [214 - 227] Pages: 14

DOI: 10.2174/0115672026308438240405055719

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Gualou is derived from the fruit of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim, while Xiebai from the bulbs of Allium macrostemon Bunge. Gualou and Xiebai herb pair (2:1) is widely used in clinical practice to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism underlying its potential activity on atherosclerosis (AS) has not been fully elucidated.

Methods: The extract of Gualou-Xiebai herb pair (GXE) was prepared from Gualou (80 g) and Xiebai (40 g) by continuous refluxing with 50% ethanol for 2 h at 80°C. In vivo, ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks to induce an AS model, and then the mice were treated with GXE (3, 6, 12 g/kg) or atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) via oral gavage. Besides, RAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated by ox-LDL to establish a foam cell model in vitro.

Results: GXE suppressed plaque formation, regulated plasma lipids, and promoted liver lipid clearance in AS mice. In addition, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/mL GXE significantly reduced the TC and FC levels in ox-LDL (50 μg/mL)-stimulated foam cells. GXE increased cholesterol efflux from the foam cells to ApoA-1 and HDL, and enhanced the protein expressions of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI, which were reversed by the PPARγ inhibitor. Meanwhile, GXE increased the LCAT levels, decreased the lipid levels and increased the TBA levels in the liver of AS mice. Molecular docking indicated that some compounds in GXE showed favorable binding energy with PPARγ, LCAT and CYP7A1 proteins, especially apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and quercetin.

Conclusion: In summary, our results suggested that GXE improved lipid metabolism disorders by enhancing RCT, providing a scientific basis for the clinical use of GXE in AS treatment.

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