Abstract
Polysaccharides (PSs) of plant origin have a variety of biological activities, including antiatherosclerotic,
but their use in atherosclerosis therapy is hindered by insufficient knowledge based on the cellular
and molecular mechanisms of action. In this review, the influence of several natural PSs on the function of
macrophages, viral activity and macrophage cholesterol metabolism has been discussed, considering the tight
interplay between these aspects in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The anti-atherosclerotic activities of natural
PSs related to other mechanisms have also been explored. Directions for further research of the antiatherosclerotic
effects of natural PSs have been outlined, the most promising of which can be nutrigenomic
studies.
Keywords:
Natural polysaccharides, atherosclerosis, anti-atherosclerotic effects, viral infection, macrophage cholesterol metabolism, cholesterol reverse transport.
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