Ellagic acid ameliorates atherosclerosis by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor

BACKGROUND High levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are a key risk factor for atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) mediates the degradation of plasma LDL. Therefore, it may be possible to prevent and treat atherosclerosis by increasing the levels of LDLR. The natural polyphenolic compound ellagic acid (EA) has various biological activities. In mice, EA alleviated the progression of atherosclerosis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. METHODS Molecular interaction, cell, and animal experiments were used to explore the role and mechanism of EA in improving atherosclerosis. RESULTS EA binds to the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thus activating the EGFR-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (EGFR-ERK) signaling pathway, stabilizing LDLR mRNA, and promoting the expression of LDLR protein. The development of EA-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles enabled intravenous administration in animal experiments. CONCLUSIONS The research verified the in vivo effects of EA on the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway, LDLR levels, and atherosclerosis. EA may assist in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.