Anti-atherosclerotic effects and molecular targets of ginkgolide B from Ginkgo biloba

Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),the world’s primary cause of death.Ginkgo biloba,a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions,has been used as a cardio-and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries.Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B,a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba,can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models.Of clinical relevance,several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases,such as ischemia stroke.Here,we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities,pharmacokinetic characteristics,and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy.We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B,including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases(NADPH oxidase),lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1(LOX-1),sirtuin 1(SIRT1),platelet-activating factor(PAF),proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)and others.Finally,we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

Targeting protein modifications in metabolic diseases:molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies

The ever-increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases(NCDs)represents a major public health burden worldwide.The most common form of NCD is metabolic diseases,which affect people of all ages and usually manifest their pathobiology through life-threatening cardiovascular complications.A comprehensive understanding of the pathobiology of metabolic diseases will generate novel targets for improved therapies across the common metabolic spectrum.Protein posttranslational modification(PTM)is an important term that refers to biochemical modification of specific amino acid residues in target proteins,which immensely increases the functional diversity of the proteome.The range of PTMs includes phosphorylation,acetylation,methylation,ubiquitination,SUMOylation,neddylation,glycosylation,palmitoylation,myristoylation,prenylation,cholesterylation,glutathionylation,S-nitrosylation,sulfhydration,citrullination,ADPribosylation,and several novel PTMs.Here,we offer a comprehensive review of PTMs and their roles in common metabolic diseases and pathological consequences,including diabetes,obesity,fatty liver diseases,hyperlipidemia,and atherosclerosis.Building upon this framework,we afford a through description of proteins and pathways involved in metabolic diseases by focusing on PTM-based protein modifications,showcase the pharmaceutical intervention of PTMs in preclinical studies and clinical trials,and offer future perspectives.Fundamental research defining the mechanisms whereby PTMs of proteins regulate metabolic diseases will open new avenues for therapeutic intervention.