Betulin attenuates atherosclerosis in apoE^-/- mice by up-regulating ABCA1 and ABCG1.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Betulin is a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from the bark of yellow and white birch trees with anti-cancer and anti-malaria activities. In this study we examined the effects of betulin on atherosclerosis in apoE^-/- mice and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells and human monocyte-derived THP-1 cells were tested. Foam cell formation was detected with Oil Red O staining. Cholesterol efflux was assessed using [³H]-cholesterol efflux assay. The expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and G1 (ABCA1 and ABCG1) was examined using RT-PCR and Western-blotting. The ABCA1 promoter activity was evaluated using luciferase activity assay. Male apoE^-/- mice fed on a high-fat-diet (HFD), and received betulin (20

SUBMITTER: Gui YZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5057233 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature