The anti-atherosclerotic effects of natural polysaccharides: from phenomena to the main mechanisms of action

Curr Pharm Des. 2022 May 18. doi: 10.2174/1381612828666220518095025. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPolysaccharides (PSs) of plant origin have a variety of biological activities, anti-atherosclerotic including, but their use in atherosclerosis therapy is hindered by insufficient knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. In this review, the influence of several natural PSs on the function of macrophages, viral activity, and macrophage cholesterol metabolism has been discussed considering the tight interplay between these aspects in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The anti-atherosclerotic activities of natural PSs related to other mechanisms have been also explored. Directions for further research of anti-atherosclerotic effects of natural PSs have been outlined, the most promising of which can be nutrigenomic studies.PMID:35585810 | DOI:10.2174/1381612828666220518095025
Source: Current Pharmaceutical Design - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research