Squalene: More than a Step toward Sterols

Squalene (SQ) is a natural triterpene widely distributed in nature. It is a metabolic intermediate of the sterol biosynthetic pathway and represents a possible target in different metabolic and oxidative stress-related disorders. Growing interest has been focused on SQ’s antioxidant properties, deri...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marco Micera, Alfonso Botto, Federica Geddo, Susanna Antoniotti, Cinzia Margherita Bertea, Renzo Levi, Maria Pia Gallo, Giulia Querio
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
Series:Antioxidants
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/8/688
Description
Summary:Squalene (SQ) is a natural triterpene widely distributed in nature. It is a metabolic intermediate of the sterol biosynthetic pathway and represents a possible target in different metabolic and oxidative stress-related disorders. Growing interest has been focused on SQ’s antioxidant properties, derived from its chemical structure. Strong evidence provided by ex vivo models underline its scavenging activity towards free radicals, whereas only a few studies have highlighted its effect in cellular models of oxidative stress. Given the role of unbalanced free radicals in both the onset and progression of several cardiovascular diseases, an in depth evaluation of SQ’s contribution to antioxidant defense mechanisms could represent a strategic approach in dealing with these pathological conditions. At present experimental results overall show a double-edged sword role of squalene in cardiovascular diseases and its function has to be better elucidated in order to establish intervention lines focused on its features. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about endogenous and exogenous sources of SQ and to point out the controversial role of SQ in cardiovascular physiology.
ISSN:2076-3921