Perspectives of Natural Products and Sialic Acid Mimetics as Modulators of Human Sialidases NEU1–3 in Atherosclerosis

This narrative review summarizes current data on the role of desialylation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) as a key initiating mechanism of atherogenesis that precedes oxidative modification. The structural and functional significance of sialic acid in apolipoprotein B-100 is considered, and the enzymes of the sialidase (neuraminidase) family responsible for its cleavage are characterized. The pathogenic role of increased sialidase activity in atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other diseases is discussed. The advantages of using dietary supplements based on natural sialidase inhibitors for long-term prevention compared with synthetic drugs are shown. Examples of already existing dietary supplements with antiatherosclerotic effects are described. A separate section is devoted to computer methods (molecular docking) for searching for new sialidase inhibitors among flavonoids; according to virtual screening data, gallated catechins were identified as the most promising candidates. The feasibility of further experimental and clinical studies to create effective and safe nutraceuticals that affect the early stages of atherogenesis is substantiated.