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Received Sep 26, 2017; Revised Dec 3, 2017; Accepted Dec 18, 2017
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1. Introduction
It is well known that elevation of serum HDL-C levels is an effective strategy for suppressing the incidence of aging-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease [1]. In addition to HDL-C quantity, it has been firmly established that HDL quality and functionality are more important in the suppression of aging-related diseases [2]. However, there has been no strategy involving the use of dietary foods or medicines in the elevation of HDL-C quantity and enhancement of HDL functionality except for aerobic exercise [3]. As a functional food, Cuban policosanol (PCO) was reported to elevate HDL-C levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits and humans as well as reduce LDL-C levels and oxidation [4–6].
Policosanol enhances the beneficial functions of HDL and maximizes its antioxidant, antiglycation, and antiatherosclerotic activities along with inhibition of CETP activity [7–9]. These results suggest an association between policosanol activity and HDL functionality for enhancement of longevity. Reconstituted HDL (rHDL) containing policosanol (PCO-rHDL) was shown to induce upregulation of tissue regeneration activity in a zebrafish model [7] along with a lipid-lowering effect [8]. However, until now, the basic mechanism of policosanol has not been fully elucidated. One problematic hurdle preventing any investigation into the physiological functions of policosanol is its water insolubility in enzyme assay, cell-based assay, and in vivo animal systems. To overcome this, a policosanol mixture was assimilated into reconstituted HDL with apoA-I in order to investigate the physiological functions of policosanol in lipoprotein metabolism [7]. Policosanol in rHDL has potent antioxidant, antiglycation, and CETP inhibitory activities as well as tissue regeneration activity, especially upon integration into HDL. The physiological effect of policosanol was investigated in brain cells (neuroglioma) and hypercholesterolemic zebrafish. Nine weeks of policosanol consumption resulted in decreased serum TC and TG levels, increased HDL-C levels via CETP activity inhibition, and amelioration of fatty liver [8]. Kaup et al. previously reported that Egyptian rice bran extract, which is enriched with policosanol and γ-oryzanol, has an antidiabetic effect in rats [10].
We recently reported...