Title : The effects of macrophage stimulator beta-glucan in experimental hyperlipidemia in mice
Abstract:
The search for lipid-lowering drugs is important for clinical medicine. Among the drugs currently under development, there are two categories: (1) those that target atherogenic lipoproteins and (2) those that target potentially cardioprotective high-density lipoproteins. Our work summarizes research findings regarding the hypolipidemic activity of polysaccharides (mainly beta-glucan). There are several validated agents altering lipid levels which reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Nonetheless, for many people, the risk of such an event remains unacceptably high despite treatment with these agents. This situation has prompted the search for new therapies to reduce the residual cardiovascular risk. The lipid-lowering effect of β-glucans consumed with food was demonstrated in patients with atherosclerosis. The mechanism of the protective effect of β-glucans is poorly studied. The effects of β-glucans are mediated by Toll-like receptors, by dectin-1, and possibly by other receptors. Nevertheless, the mechanism of the protective action of β-glucan in lipemic mice has been studied insufficiently. This study will present up-to-date information regarding experimental hypolipidemic polysaccharide compounds that hold promise for medicine. Phagocyte-specific chitotriosidase in humans contributes to innate immune responses against chitin-containing fungi. This enzyme has been first described in patients with Gaucher disease and serves as an important diagnostic biomarker. It has been reported that, in mice, chitin particles of certain size are recognized by macrophages through Toll-like receptors, dectin-1, and to a lesser extent through mannose receptor. We present some experimental data on the hypolipidemic activity of several polysaccharides (that have potential use in clinical practice. We present some experimental data on the hypolipidemic activity of several polysaccharides (β-glucans) that have potential use in clinical practice.
