Scientists from the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University found that garlic can reduce the expression of genes related to ferroptosis and at the same time prevent lipid oxidation. These properties inhibit the development of atherosclerosis. Research results published In the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology.
The researchers analyzed the content of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), the Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database (TCM-ID), and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) to search for information on the therapeutic properties of garlic. The researchers also used medical information repositories DisGeNET, GeneCards, and DiGSeE to identify genes that increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Scientists then compiled the data and created a network of interactions between garlic components, therapeutic targets, and key signaling pathways. Additionally, an experiment was conducted involving mice – researchers examined how various compounds in garlic affected the cardiovascular system of rodents.
The results showed that sobrol A, benzaldoxime, allicin and (+)-L-alliin interact with ferroptosis-related proteins such as GPX4 (glutathione peroxidase), DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4) and ALOX5 (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase). Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Scientists explained that ferroptosis contributes to the development of atherosclerosis by increasing inflammation in the body.
Expression of genes encoding DPP4 and ALOX5, which enhance ferroptosis, was also found to be reduced due to allicin exposure.
Scientists have announced that garlic has significant therapeutic potential. They hope that further study of the properties of this product will allow the development of effective strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis based on the action of natural substances.
Previously was named a diet that helps reduce biological age.