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7191052 
Journal Article 
Targeting Foam Cell Formation in Atherosclerosis: Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products 
Wang, D; Yang, Y; Lei, Y; Tzvetkov, NT; Liu, X; Yeung, AWK; Xu, S; Atanasov, AG; , 
2019 
1 
Pharmacological Reviews
ISSN: 0031-6997
EISSN: 1521-0081 
AMER SOC PHARMACOLOGY EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS 
BETHESDA 
596-670 
English 
31554644 
WOS:000500540700007 
Foam cell formation and further accumulation in the subendothelial space of the vascular wall is a hallmark of atherosclerotic lesions. Targeting foam cell formation in the atherosclerotic lesions can be a promising approach to treat and prevent atherosclerosis. The formation of foam cells is determined by the balanced effects of three major interrelated biologic processes, including lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification, and cholesterol efflux. Natural products are a promising source for new lead structures. Multiple natural products and pharmaceutical agents can inhibit foam cell formation and thus exhibit antiatherosclerotic capacity by suppressing lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification, and/or promoting cholesterol ester hydrolysis and cholesterol efflux. This review summarizes recent findings on these three biologic processes and natural products with demonstrated potential to target such processes. Discussed also are potential future directions for studying the mechanisms of foam cell formation and the development of foam cell-targeted therapeutic strategies.