Current Insights into the Biological Action of Squalene. Issue 15 (19th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lou‐Bonafonte, José M.; Martínez‐Beamonte, Roberto; Sanclemente, Teresa; Surra, Joaquín C.; Herrera‐Marcos, Luis V.; Sanchez‐Marco, Javier; Arnal, Carmen; Osada, Jesús
• Is Part Of: Molecular nutrition & food research. Volume 62:Issue 15(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-07-19
• Subjects: antioxidants -- gene expression -- olive oil -- shark liver oil -- squalene; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Food -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Food -- Toxicology -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Food Microbiology -- Periodicals; Food Technology -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; 664.0705
• DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201800136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-4125

Abstract

Abstract: Squalene is a triterpenic compound found in a large number of plants and other sources with a long tradition of research since it was first reported in 1926. Herein a systematic review of studies concerning squalene published in the last 8 years is presented. These studies have provided further support for its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐atherosclerotic properties in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, an antineoplastic effect in nutrigenetic‐type treatments, which depends on the failing metabolic pathway of tumors, has also been reported. The bioavailability of squalene in cell cultures, animal models, and in humans has been well established, and further progress has been made in regard to the intracellular transport of this lipophilic molecule. Squalene accumulates in the liver and decreases hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides, with these actions being exerted via a complex network of changes in gene expression at both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels. Its presence in different biological fluids has also been studied. The combination of squalene with other bioactive compounds has been shown to enhance its pleiotropic properties and might lead to the formulation of functional foods and nutraceuticals to control oxidative stress and, therefore, numerous age‐related diseases in human and veterinary medicine. Abstract : This systematic review describes studies involving squalene published over the past 8 years. During this period, its role in the immune system and its anti‐atherosclerotic properties have been studied in greater depth. Moreover, the antineoplastic effects of squalene have been studied in a nutrigenetic‐type approach that takes advantage of the failing metabolic pathway of tumors. This substance accumulates in the liver, where it triggers complex changes in gene expression. Other organs also appear to be targeted by squalene.