The effect of neferine on foam cell formation by anti-low density lipoprotein oxidation.
Oxidatively modified low density lipoprtein (LDL) plays an important role in atheroslerosis (AS) development. To investigate the role of neferine (Nef) in anti-LDL oxidation and foam cell formation, the lipoprotein was derived and subjected to three different treatments: N-LDL (normal LDL), Cu2+ + LDL and Cu2+ + Nef + LDL. The LDLs were put at 25 degrees C for 24 h and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values were determined. They were 0.57 +/- 0.2, 6.01 +/- 0.22 and 2.26 +/- 0.13 nmol/mg protein, respectively. The difference was very significant (P < 0.01) for each two groups by t test. Mouse peritoneal macrophage (M phi) were exposed to 50 micrograms protein/ml of Cu2+ + LDL and Cu2+ + Nef + LDL at 37 degrees C for 60 h. The tryglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) content in M phi were assayed. The results showed that Cu2+ + LDL was more efficient than Cu2+ + Nef + LDL in stimulating lipid accumulation in M phi (P < 0.001). The study demonstrated that Nef could inhibit Cu(2+)-mediated LDL oxidation and thereby inhibiting macrophage-derived foam cell formation.
Feng
Y
Y
Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan.
Wu
J
J
Cong
R
R
Wang
C
C
Zong
Y
Y
Feng
Z
Z
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D044182:Benzylisoquinolines; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005487:Foam Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism*; D017737:Macrophages, Peritoneal / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D000470:Alkaloids; D044182:Benzylisoquinolines; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein; C057222:neferine