TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE OFFERS PROMISING NATURAL COMPOUNDS THAT MODULATE CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM, UNVEILING NEW THERAPEUTIC PATHWAYS FOR CANCER TREATMENT

In a recent study published in Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, scientists reviewed the four major cholesterol metabolism processes and how natural products used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may modulate cholesterol metabolism for cancer treatment.

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Within the cell membrane, cholesterol maintains the integrity of the structure by supporting its fluidity, while also regulating ion channel function and membrane protein organisation. Cholesterol homeostasis is achieved by maintaining a balanced cholesterol de novo biosynthesis, uptake, efflux and esterification. However, cholesterol also supports tumour cell proliferation by regulating signal transduction and membrane biogenesis. Previous studies have reported that alterations in cholesterol homeostasis are implicated in the progression of cancer. For example, high expression of adenosine triphosphaste (ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) leads to cholesterol efflux and increases membrane fluidity, which contributes to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis.

Existing therapeutics that target cholesterol metabolism, including certain enzyme inhibitors and transport protein modulators, have been investigated for their potential anti-neoplastic effects. However, these treatments are associated with limited long-term efficacy in certain patient populations, as well as an increased risk of adverse side effects and drug resistance.