[Effect of curcumin on expression of human low density lipoprotein receptors in Xenopus Laevis oocytes].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanism of curcumin in reducing blood lipids by establishing gene expression system of human low density lipoprotein receptors (LDL-R) in Xenopus Laevis oocytes (XLO). METHODS: The expression of LDL-R on cytomembrane was determined using immuno-fluorescent, ligand-fluorescent and immune colloidal gold techniques after human LDL-R containing p3.7 LDL plasmid was led into nucleus. And the expression of LDL-R gene in XLO was quantitatively determined by ELISA after being interfered with different concentrations of curcumin. RESULTS: The human LDL-R gene could be expressed on XLO, which could be significantly enhanced by curcumin in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion One of the paths of curcumin in reducing blood lipids and anti-atherosclerosis was improving LDL-R gene expression and increasing the LDL-cholesterol absorption of cells.