Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the arterial wall that is caused by increased levels of cholesterol in the blood and an accumulation of cholesterol crystals in the subendothelial spaces. Reporting in Science Translational Medicine, Latz and colleagues describe the atheroprotective effect of the cyclic oligosaccharide 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (referred to here as cyclodextrin), which dissolves cholesterol crystals, increases oxysterol production and promotes the anti-inflammatory reprogramming of macrophages in a liver X receptor (LXR)-dependent manner.
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Cyclodextrin is known to solubilize cholesterol and is being used in a clinical trial for the treatment of patients with Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease, a rare genetic disorder in which cholesterol cannot be transported from lysosomes. Here, the authors showed that the size of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as the amount of cholesterol crystals within the plaques, were greatly reduced by the concomitant administration of cyclodextrin to apolipoprotein E (Apoe)−/− mice fed a cholesterol-rich diet for 8 weeks. The plasma concentrations of cholesterol were unaffected by cyclodextrin treatment, but the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced. Furthermore, treatment of Apoe−/− mice with cyclodextrin after the onset of hypercholesterolaemia resulted in significantly decreased plaque size, even when the mice remained on a cholesterol-rich diet.
cyclodextrin dissolves extracellular and intracellular cholesterol crystals and increases cholesterol efflux from macrophages
Macrophages take up and metabolize excess free cholesterol within the arterial wall, but excessive accumulation of cholesterol and deposition of cholesterol crystals trigger inflammatory responses. The authors showed that cyclodextrin dissolves extracellular and intracellular cholesterol crystals and increases cholesterol efflux from macrophages in vitro. Furthermore, cyclodextrin treatment resulted in a 15-fold increase in the levels of secreted oxysterols from crystal-loaded macrophages. Also, incubation of human atherosclerotic plaques with cyclodextrin resulted in cholesterol release into the supernatants and increased production of oxysterols. These data indicate that cyclodextrin increases oxysterol production by mouse macrophages and in human atherosclerotic plaques.
Oxysterols are known activators of the LXR pathway, which promotes reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and anti-inflammatory processes. Gene expression analysis showed that cyclodextrin upregulated the expression of LXR target genes in mouse macrophages and in human plaques. Of note, cyclodextrin treatment downregulated expression of the inflammasome sensor NLRP3 but upregulated expression of the inflammasome inhibitor HSP90AA1, both of which are LXR target genes. Furthermore, cyclodextrin treatment of mice that had received cholesterol crystal-loaded macrophages increased cholesterol excretion into the faeces, which indicates increased RCT, and also promoted urinary cholesterol excretion. Interestingly, patients with NPC on cyclodextrin treatment also excreted cholesterol into the urine. These data indicate that cyclodextrin promotes anti-inflammatory processes and RCT in vivo.
Finally, the authors showed that cyclodextrin treatment did not reduce the size of atherosclerotic plaques in mice with macrophages lacking LXR expression. Furthermore, the downregulation of Nlrp3 and upregulation of Hsp90aa1 in treated plaques was LXR dependent. These data indicate an important role for the LXR pathway in the atheroprotective and anti-inflammatory functions of cyclodextrin.
This study shows that cyclodextrin promotes atherosclerosis regression in mice and, because this drug is already approved for use in humans as a solubilizing agent for lipophilic drug delivery, cyclodextrin is a potential candidate for testing in humans to treat atherosclerosis.
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Leavy, O. Dissolving cholesterol to unclog arteries. Nat Rev Immunol 16, 275 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nri.2016.50
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FAQs
There is no fast way to unclog arteries once plaque has built up. The best evidence for stabilizing and regressing plaque is with a combination of cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins along with healthy lifestyle habits.
What is the best drink to clean arteries? ›
What drink cleans arteries? Some research suggests that herbal teas such as green tea may help treat clogged arteries. However, a person may need to make other dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as taking other preventive steps to prevent further plaque buildup.
What is the number one food to clean arteries? ›
1. Fish. Fatty or oily fish such as salmon and tuna are a great source of omega-3 fats, compounds which have been shown in studies to reduce the amount of plaque which sticks in your arteries. These healthy fats also have anti-inflammatory properties which can help with many aspects of your overall health.
Can lowering cholesterol reverse clogged arteries? ›
Blocked arteries caused by plaque buildup and blood clots are the leading cause of death in the U.S. Reducing cholesterol and other risk factors can help prevent cholesterol plaques from forming. Occasionally, it can even reverse some plaque buildup.
What is the new drug that melts plaque in arteries? ›
Artery drug 'feasible' in humans after mice tests
The drug Trodusquemine was given to mice on a high fat diet in 2017 and was shown to "melt away" the fat inside arteries that can cause heart attacks and strokes. Follow-up tests carried out this year on human white blood cells found the same success.
What is a good home remedy to unclog arteries? ›
- Keep Your Meals Well-Balanced. Starting with good food intake is the key to naturally unclogging arteries. ...
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High in potassium, foods like bananas can stop fatal blockages from occurring and inhibit the hardening and narrowing of arteries.
What vitamin removes plaque from arteries? ›
Optimal Vitamin K2 intake is crucial to avoid the calcium plaque buildup of atherosclerosis, thus keeping the risk and rate of calcification as low as possible. Matrix GLA protein (MGP)—found in the tissues of the heart, kidneys, and lungs—plays a dominant role in vascular calcium metabolism.
Does cinnamon clear plaque from arteries? ›
Spices, including ginger, pepper, chili, and cinnamon, may help protect against clogged arteries ( 15 ). These and other spices have anti-inflammatory properties and may help ( 15 ): reduce free radicals. improve blood lipid levels.
Does olive oil clear arteries? ›
(Reuters Health) - A traditional Mediterranean diet with added olive oil may be tied to a lower risk of heart disease at least in part because it helps maintain healthy blood flow and clear debris from arteries, a Spanish study suggests.
When blood cells stick to—and cause inflammation of—the artery wall, plaques build up. That accumulation—called atheroscle- rosis—can eventually block the blood vessel. The suppression provided by avenanthramides in oats may prevent this narrow- ing of the passageways through which blood flows.
How do you tell if your arteries are clogged? ›
In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include:
- Dizziness.
- Feeling like your heart is racing (heart palpitations)
- Nausea.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating.
- Weakness.
Cyclodextrin is known to solubilize cholesterol and is being used in a clinical trial for the treatment of patients with Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease, a rare genetic disorder in which cholesterol cannot be transported from lysosomes.
What takes cholesterol away from your arteries? ›
Depending on the plaque buildup in your arteries, you may be able to start first with making lifestyle changes. Your doctor may also prescribe a statin to lower your cholesterol levels. Brand names of these medications include Lipitor, Crestor, and Zocor.
Does magnesium dissolve arterial plaque? ›
Magnesium supplementation can inhibit atherosclerotic plaque formation in animals on high-fat diets. More recent human studies have revealed strong associations between low magnesium levels and higher heart disease risks. This demonstrates that magnesium can be a powerful protective measure to maintain heart health.
How do you get rid of plaque ASAP? ›
The best way to remove plaque and tartar is to practice good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. They also recommend flossing once a day. Flossing first will remove pieces of food and plaque from between the teeth and hard-to-reach areas.
What gets rid of hardened plaque? ›
Brushing teeth with Baking Soda
Baking soda can effectively remove the plaque without damaging the outer covering of teeth— enamel. Baking soda is safe to use with no apparent side effects. Toothpaste containing baking soda is more potent against plaque than traditional toothpaste.
Does apple cider vinegar dissolve arterial plaque? ›
Chelation therapy is hyped as a way to clean out the arteries by dissolving cholesterol-filled plaque. This is based on wishful thinking, not science. Apple cider vinegar is a terrific ingredient in foods, sauces, and dressings. It isn't medicine.
