 The treatment could lead to a drug which could reduce heart-attack risk |
Chemicals found in fungus prevent the build-up of dangerous fatty deposits in arteries, scientists have suggested. Clogged arteries - atherosclerosis - are a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science study showed the chemicals, called beauveriolides, were effective.
The scientists, from the Kitasato University in Japan, say the work could lead to a new treatment for the condition.
In the early stages of atherosclerosis, cells called macrophages gather up and store cholesterol and fatty acids, leading to the development of atherosclerosis in arteries.
Fatty diets
Research had already suggested that beuveriolides, chemicals found in the Beauveria fungus which occurs naturally in soil, were able to prevent the cells storing fats.
This latest study proved this to be the case and looked at how the chemicals worked. The researchers found the beauveriolides prevented cholesterol and fatty acids forming into droplets which cells could then store.
They also prevented the cells taking up the droplets by stopping a key enzyme called ACAT from working effectively.
In mice specially bred to develop atherosclerosis, it was found the fungal chemicals reduced the build up of fatty deposits by 50%, compared to mice who were not treated with them.
It even benefited mice who were fed a high fat diet, which leads to high cholesterol levels.
In addition, the treatment did not cause side effects such as diarrhoea or damage to the adrenal glands which existing ACAT-inhibiting drugs can do.
Confirmation
Dr Chris Newman, secretary of the British Atherosclerosis Society, told BBC News Online: "Though the compounds described in this paper are not particularly potent they may form the basis for further developments in this area.
"New compounds that prevent fat accumulation within macrophages have at least the potential to reduce the extent and clinical problems associated with atherosclerosis.
"But much further work is required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this particular approach."
Dr Charmaine Griffiths of the British Heart Foundation added: "This preliminary study found that certain fungal compounds could prevent fatty build up within cells involved in atherosclerosis.
"There is also evidence that these compounds could prevent the development of atheroma in a model of the disease.
"Drugs which have effects such as these could be beneficial in treating atherosclerosis, but more research is needed to prove the effectiveness of the fungal compounds."
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New compounds that prevent fat accumulation have at least the potential to reduce the extent and clinical problems associated with atherosclerosis 
