ABSTRACT
Vitamin D has received considerable optimistic attention as a potentially important factor in many pathological states over the past few decades. However, the proportion of the active form of vitamin D metabolites responsible for biological activity is highly questionable in disease states due to flexible alterations in the enzymes responsible for their metabolism. For instance, CYP3A4 plays a crucial role in the biotransformation of vitamin D and other drug substances. Food-drug and/or drug-drug interactions, the disease state, genetic polymorphism, age, sex, diet, and environmental factors all influence CYP3A4 activity. Genetic polymorphisms in CYP450-encoding genes have received considerable attention in the past few decades due to their extensive impact on the pharmacokinetic and dynamic properties of drugs and endogenous substances. In this review, we focused on CYP3A4 polymorphisms and their interplay with vitamin D metabolism and summarized the role of vitamin D in calcium homeostasis, bone diseases, diabetes, cancer, other diseases, and drug substances. We also reviewed clinical observations pertaining to CYP3A4 polymorphisms among the aforementioned disease conditions. In addition, we highlighted the future perspectives of studying the pharmacogenetics of CYP3A4, which may have potential clinical significance for developing novel diagnostic genetic markers that will ascertain disease risk and progression.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the anti-obesity activity of ethanolic extract of cashew apple using various in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: Phytochemical screening was carried out in ethanolic extract of cashew apple, followed by quantification of phenol and flavonoid. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) scavenging assays. The inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract of cashew apple on α-amylase and pancreatic lipase was also studied. In addition, anti-obesity activity was determined in two in vivo models, lipid emulsion model and atherogenic diet-induced obese rat model. Levels of postprandial plasma triglycerides were assessed in lipid emulsion model, whereas serum lipid profile, in vivo antioxidants and histopathological studies of the carotid artery and liver were performed in an atherogenic diet-induced obese model. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and steroids. The in vitro assays showed inhibition of α-amylase and pancreatic lipase and strong antioxidant potential. Ethanolic extract of cashew apple showed significant and time-dependent inhibitory activity on postprandial triglycerides after administration of lipid emulsion for 5 h. Ethanolic extract of cashew apple at 200 and 400 mg/kg on day 60 showed a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index and atherogenic index, whereas lipid profile and liver function marker levels in the serum were decreased in a dose-dependent manner at time intervals (day 0, 20, 40, and 60) compared to the atherogenic diet-induced obese rats. Histological observations showed reduced non-alcoholic fatty liver deposits and decreased atherosclerotic fatty streak plaques (carotid artery) after treatment with ethanolic extract of cashew apple. Conclusions: Ethanolic extract of cashew apple ameliorates obesity, which may be partly mediated by its delayed absorption of cholesterol and carbohydrates.