Extracts of sponge-derived fungi as potential anti-atherosclerotic agent

Abstract

Current drugs in the market for atherosclerosis mostly involved the reduction of atherosclerotic progression by decreasing the plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. With prolonged use of this drug, it is reported to may cause liver failure. Meanwhile, drugs targeting on high density lipoprotein (HDL) in reducing/preventing the development of atherosclerosis are yet to be developed, although HDL plays an important role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Potential targets in RCT have been identified to prevent atherosclerosis: scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) and peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPRE). This study was therefore carried-out to explore new peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) ligand agonists for the activation of these potential targets, from sponge-derived fungi, as potential drugs for atherosclerosis.