Login / Signup

Antioxidant and cholesterol regulatory effect of flavonoid-rich silk sericin.

Ji-Hae LeeYeon-Ji KimKyungho KimHaeYong KweonHyun-Bok KimSeong Ryul KimSeong-Wan KimJong Woo ParkSang Kuk Kang
Published in: Food science and biotechnology (2024)
Cholesterol is a component of cell membranes and a precursor of hormones, and excess levels are associated with disease development; therefore, it must be maintained within the normal range. Silkworm cocoons are known to contain bioactive substances. Therefore, we compared the bioactivities of pigmented and white silkworm cocoons. Sericin extract of the Yeonnokjam (YN) variety, which contained a high flavonoid content, showed the highest antioxidant activity and inhibited cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme activity. YN-fed mice showed a 26% reduction in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. In addition, a 27% decrease in cholesterol accumulation in the liver was observed. Mechanistically, YN reduced the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2 proteins by 34 and 13%, respectively. In conclusion, YN suppresses cholesterol synthesis in the liver and stimulates bile acid secretion, which contributes to reduction in cholesterol levels, suggesting its potential as a cholesterol-lowering agent.
Keyphrases
  • low density lipoprotein
  • oxidative stress
  • poor prognosis
  • metabolic syndrome
  • fatty acid
  • signaling pathway
  • adipose tissue
  • drinking water
  • cell therapy
  • mesenchymal stem cells
  • insulin resistance