Nature Supplement: Is atherosclerosis reversed? This natural sugar can do it
Release date: 2017-06-13 The immune system can be used not only to treat cancer, but also for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other metabolic diseases including fatty liver and type 2 diabetes. Recently, researchers at the University of Washington, St. Louis (WUSTL) found that a natural disaccharide called trehalose stimulates macrophages to clear atherosclerotic plaques accumulated in the arteries. A sign of cardiovascular disease can lead to an increased risk of heart attack. The results were published in the recent Nature, a subsidiary of Nature Communications. ▲ article communication author Professor Babak Razani (Source: WUSTL) "We are interested in improving the ability of macrophages to degrade cellular waste, making them supermacrophages," said the author of the article, Professor Babak Razani. This is actually the housekeeping power of macrophages, which removes many types of cellular waste, including misfolded proteins, excess lipid droplets, and dysfunctional organelles. ▲The development of atherosclerosis (Source: "Nature Reviews Rheumatology") "When atherosclerosis occurs, macrophages try to clean up the plaque lesions to repair their damage to the arteries, but their effects are suppressed by the plaque's inflammatory response," Professor Babak Razani explained: "They The housekeeping skills are destroyed, which leads to greater confusion and attracts a large number of other macrophages to come to the rescue. However, these coming companions have become part of the problem. The result is a mess of porridge, including dead cells. And more lipid deposits, making plaques grow." In mice, the researchers found that atherosclerotic plaques in diseased mice were significantly reduced after trehalose injection. Taking the plaque size measured at the aortic root as an example, the average size of the plaque in the control group was 0.35 mm 2 , and that in the mouse receiving trehalose was 0.25 mm 2 . That is, trehalose is converted to a plaque size reduction of about 30%. In contrast, oral trehalose or other types of sugar are injected, even if the structure is similar to trehalose, the above effects are not achieved. ▲ molecular structure of trehalose (Source: Wikipedia) Trehalose is a natural sugar which can be obtained from seaweed, fungi, insects and the like, and is a non-reducing sugar composed of 1,1-glycosidic bonds of two glucose molecules. Currently, trehalose has been approved by the US FDA for human consumption and is often added to pharmaceuticals as a protective agent for activity. In addition, trehalose has also been found to trigger cellular autophagy, although the mechanism is unclear. Studies have shown that trehalose activates the key transcription factor TFEB, which regulates autophagy–lysosomal biogenesis. Activated TFEB enters the nucleus of macrophages and binds to DNA, activating a specific set of genes, making it even more More autophagy - lysosomes are assembled. In fact, the decline in autophagy-lysosomal system function in macrophages is an important cause of atherosclerotic plaque. When macrophages in macrophages are activated, the autophagy-lysosomal system functions are restored and p62-mediated protein aggregation clearance is accelerated, while macrophage apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine IL- The activity of 1β is inhibited. Thus, the process of clearing the plaque lesions will be promoted. ▲ Trehalose promotes the removal of atherosclerotic plaques (Source: Nature Communications) “Glucan not only strengthens the already existing macrophage 'housekeeping' machine,†Professor Babak Razani said. “It also triggers macrophages to make new machines, leading to more autophagy, allowing macrophages to start. Large-scale degradation process. Is this the only way for trehalose to enhance the autophagy mechanism of macrophages? We dare not say this because it is still under study, but is this an important reason? Of course." Researchers are continuing to study the feasibility of trehalose as a potential treatment for atherosclerosis. Trehalose is not only safe to take, but also a mild sweetener. However, they also want to overcome a major challenge, which is the need for injection. Since trehalase in the digestive tract of mammals breaks down trehalose into glucose molecules, it loses its effectiveness when taken orally. To this end, the research team is looking for ways to inhibit the enzyme so that trehalose retains its structure and can be taken orally. Reference material [1] Exploiting macrophage autophagy-lysosomal biogenesis as a therapy for atherosclerosis [2] Type of sugar may treat atherosclerosis, mouse study shows Source: Academic Jingwei As a professional supplier of medical apparatuses and instruments, Suzhou Medtion International Trade Co., Ltd. is located in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province. We are wholly owned subsidiary of Jiangsu Redleaf Medcial Equipment Co., Ltd who is a professional Medical equipment producer for 30 years. We specialize in developing and producing stretchers,anti-coronavirus products, first-aid product, Funeral Products, ward products, Diagnosis Device, emergency rescue product and so on. We supply one stop purchasing of Medical Equipment for all overseas customers. Our products can be made in accordance with customers' requirements. With advanced technology, scientific production equipment, reliable product's quality, conform contract, stable credit and excellent service, we have got the production aptitude and passed all quality authentications successfully. We warmly welcome you to cooperate with us. Protective Accessories,Disposable Protective Accessories,Medical Protective Accessories,Sterile Protective Accessories Medton Medical , https://www.medtonmedical.com