ArticlePloS one2025
β-sitosterol alleviated HFD-induced atherosclerosis by regulating the MAPK/Nrf2/NLRP3 pathway in ApoE-/- mice.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Network Pharmacology-Based Exploration of Complementary Molecular Mechanisms of Heat-Clearing (Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma) and Blood-Tonifying Herbs (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba) in Cold Hypersensitivity in Hands and Feet.Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Ginseng nonsaponins: New insights into their pharmacological potentials in inflammasome-driven inflammation and immunopathology.Journal of ginseng research · 2026Review
- Review
- Unlocking the Power of Plant-Derived Natural Products: Therapeutic Benefits for Cognitive Health and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia-Related Diseases.Plants (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundAtherosclerosis (AS), driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity. While β-sitosterol, a dietary phytosterol, shows therapeutic potential for AS, its mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore whether β-sitosterol alleviates AS by modulating the MAPK/Nrf2/NLRP3 pathway.
methodsApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were treated with β-sitosterol for 8 weeks. Lipid profiles, aortic plaque area, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory mediators were analyzed. Nrf2 pathway activity and NLRP3 inflammasome components were assessed using ELISA, qRT-PCR, and histochemical assays.
resultsβ-sitosterol significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, and aortic plaque area in HFD-fed mice. It suppressed the MAPK pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation while downregulating MMP-2/9 expression. Additionally, β-sitosterol activated the Nrf2 pathway, increasing catalase protein (CAT) activity and reducing oxidative stress in liver tissue. However, it showed limited effects on NF-κB, IL-6, IL-10, and certain antioxidants.
conclusionβ-sitosterol ameliorates AS by attenuating lipid accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress via coordinated regulation of the MAPK/Nrf2/NLRP3 pathways. These findings highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent, though clinical studies are warranted to confirm efficacy and safety in humans.
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