Title : Anti-atherogenic actions of punicalagin and its metabolites
Abstract:
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is responsible for most global morbidity and mortality, contributing to a third of all deaths worldwide. ACVD is a low-grade chronic inflammatory disorder of the vasculature that is associated with build-up of lipids, cellular debris and immune cells. Risk factors for ACVD include high plasma cholesterol levels, hypertension, diet rich in saturated fats, high systemic markers of inflammation, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and obesity. It is expected that deaths from ACVD will increase in the future because of rise in such risk factors, particularly in developing countries. Current pharmaceutical therapies for ACVD are not fully effective, demonstrating patient-dependent efficacy, and are associated with various side effects. Nutraceuticals represent promising alternatives as preventatives or therapeutic agents against ACVD but the molecular mechanisms underlying their protective actions are poorly understood.
Punicalagin (PC) is an ellagitannin, a type of phenolic compound, that is abundant in pomegranate and pomegranate juice. PC is a strong antioxidant and demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic actions. PC is large and lipophilic and hence metabolised in the body into ellagic acid and urolithins. The actions of PC, ellagic acid and urolithins on atherosclerosis and risk factors associated with the disease, together with the underlying molecular mechanism, are poorly understood. We have investigated these using a range of cell culture model systems (e.g., human monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, hepatocytes) in vitro and/or in low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient mice fed a high fat diet for 12-weeks in vivo. The findings from these studies will be presented in the context of published research and future directions.
Audience Take Away
- The audience will learn about how nutraceuticals, and particularly ellagitannins such as punicalagin and its metabolites, can prevent and treat cardiovascular disease
- The research-led knowledge from the presentation will positively impact their jobs
- The research could be used by other faculty to expand their research or teaching, particularly in relation to functional foods, nutraceuticals and cardiovascular disease
- The research could impact therapeutic options available in cardiovascular disease
- The research could lead to further studies aimed at punicalagin and its metabolites in the prevention and treatment of heart disease
