Piperine inhibits ABCA1 degradation and promotes cholesterol efflux from THP‐1‐derived macrophages

SCOPE: Increased macrophage cholesterol efflux (ChE) is considered to have anti-atherosclerotic effect counteracting cardiovascular disease. The principle pungent ingredient of the fruits of Piper nigrum, piperine, is identified in this study as a ChE inducer in THP-1-derived macrophages, and mechanisms underlying this effect are explored. METHODS AND RESULTS: Without affecting cell viability, piperine concentration-dependently enhances ChE in …