ankaflavin and Hypercholesterolemia

Monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) produced by Monascus purpureus NTU 568 were proven to show excellent hypolipidemic effects in our previous studies; however, the mechanism is still unclear.. This study used MS, AK, and monacolin K as test substances and performed tests on rats fed high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. The lipid levels and the related protein levels of the rats were assessed to understand the effects of MS, AK, and monacolin K on lipid metabolism.. MS and AK lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and preserved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents. MS and AK inhibited acetyl-coenzyme A acetyltransferase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, and apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 expression, thereby preventing LDL assembly. In addition, enhanced LDL-receptor expression increased the transport of LDL-C to the liver for metabolism. MS and AK also significantly increase apo A1 expression, which facilitates high-density lipoprotein cholesterol formation.. Monascus-fermented MS and AK can perform blood lipid regulation via the suppression of LDL-C assembly and stimulation of apo A1 expression in liver.

Topics: Acetyl-CoA C-Acetyltransferase; Animals; Apolipoprotein A-I; Apolipoprotein B-100; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; Carrier Proteins; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet, High-Fat; Eating; Feces; Fermentation; Flavins; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Liver; Lovastatin; Male; Monascus; Rats