Towards Application of Bioactive Natural Products Containing Isoprenoids for the Regulation of HMG-CoA Reductase—A Review

Sepideh Pakpour

Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada..

DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2013.45138                

Abstract

Recognition of the biological properties of numerous “natural products” has fueled the current focus of this field, namely, the search for new drugs, antibiotics, insecticides, and herbicides. Based on their biosynthetic origins, natural products can be divided into three major groups: the isoprenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. Isoprenoids are structurally the most diverse group of secondary natural metabolites with different roles in the growth, development, and reproduction of a diverse range of prokaryotic and eukaryotes cells. Mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathways are known to be responsible for biosynthesis of numerous isoprenoids. HMG-CoA reductase is a rate-determining enzyme in mevalonate pathway, producing intermediates such as farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphates, which lead to by-products such as cholesterol. Earlier studies have demonstrated that the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase is one of the most effective approaches for treating hypercholesterolemia and eventually cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and the most prescribed group of drugs worldwide in treating hypercholesterolemia; however the application of this group of drugs may be expensive and has side effects including rashes and gastrointestinal symptoms. For these reasons, there is an important need to examine the viability of natural products as an alternative to statin treatment. This article is a review of different aforementioned areas with a focus on isoprenoids that can be used for the regulation of HMG-CoA reductase.

Keywords

Isoprenoids; HMG-CoA Reductase; Mevalonate Pathway; Hypercholesterolemia

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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