Cuban sugar cane wax policosanol: is it an aid in metabolic syndrome treatment?

Resumen

The objective of the present review is to present evidences supporting the proposal of the potential benefits of cuban sugar cane wax Policosanol for concomitant use in metabolic syndrome treatment. Cuban Policosanol is a mixture of very long chain saturated fatty alcohols; that decreases serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and, also diminishes triglycerides serum concentrations in different preclinical and clinical assays while, significantly increases high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Early investigations demonstrated that Cuban Policosanol modulate cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting mevalonic acid formation. Later on, it was confirmed that cuban Policosanol activates Adenosine Monophosphate Protein Kinase, which once activated, inhibits Hydroxyl Methyl Glutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase, and Acetyl CoA Carboxylase. Changes in life style, including healthy dietary regimens and increased physical activity are the first line measures for prevention and therapy of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, a number of therapeutic agents had been proposed to treat metabolic syndrome. However, some of those therapies present low efficacy, low influence durability and, side effects. Beside changes in serum lipid profile, activated Adenosine Monophosphate Protein Kinase, ameliorates high blood pressure, decrease body weight, while prevents pro-thrombotic state, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, inflammatory processes and, improves physical fitness. Thus, Adenosine Monophosphate Protein Kinase, is considered as a therapeutic target for new agents with potential use in the metabolic syndrome treatment. This paper evaluates some findings about the effect of Policosanol in pre-clinical research and clinical assays, demonstrating positive effects on several symptoms presents in metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, the use of cuban Policosanol may be beneficial as a concomitant treatment of the metabolic syndrome treatment.