Effects of ergothioneine on endothelial cell and macrophage characteristics, and markers of atherosclerosis risk under high lipid conditions
Abstract
Ergothioneine (EGT) is an antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory molecule that may have protective effects against the lipid-induced oxidative stress and inflammation that occurs in the vasculature of individuals with obesity and metabolic syndrome. This thesis addresses the hypothesis that EGT supplementation decreases endothelial cell dysfunction and macrophage inflammatory characteristics under high lipid conditions, and markers of atherosclerotic risk in diet-induced obese mice. Results showed that EGT did not influence endothelial tube formation or stability but reduced nitric oxide production in endothelial cells. Moreover, EGT decreased the production of reactive oxygen species, and potentially nitric oxide, by macrophages. In diet-induced obese mice with characteristics of metabolic syndrome, EGT did not influence circulating lipid, lipoprotein and glucose concentrations which are markers of atherosclerotic risk. In conclusion, EGT has moderate effects on vascular cells in vitro, and does not influence blood glucose and lipid markers of vascular disease risk in diet-induced obese mice.