Scientists discovered a natural substance called enterocin from ocean bacteria that appears to help your body get rid of excess cholesterol. In laboratory tests and studies with mice, enterocin worked by targeting a specific protein in liver cells, which triggered a chain reaction that helped move cholesterol out of the body. The compound reduced fat buildup in the liver, improved cholesterol levels, and performed as well as or better than common cholesterol medications. This discovery could lead to new treatments for people with high cholesterol and fatty liver disease.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural compound from ocean bacteria could lower cholesterol and reduce fat in the liver by targeting a specific protein
  • Who participated: Laboratory liver cells from humans and mice fed a high-fat diet (both regular mice and genetically modified mice that can’t process cholesterol normally)
  • Key finding: Enterocin successfully lowered bad cholesterol (LDL), raised good cholesterol (HDL), reduced liver fat, and worked as well as or better than prescription cholesterol medications like atorvastatin
  • What it means for you: This natural compound shows promise as a potential new cholesterol-lowering treatment, though it’s still in early research stages and hasn’t been tested in humans yet. Don’t stop taking your current cholesterol medications without talking to your doctor

The Research Details

Researchers started by screening natural compounds from ocean bacteria to find ones that could affect cholesterol. They discovered enterocin and tested it in human liver cells grown in the laboratory. They found that enterocin attached to a protein called ASGR1 and caused it to break down, which triggered a series of cellular events that helped remove cholesterol. Next, they tested enterocin in mice that were fed a high-fat diet to mimic human obesity and high cholesterol. They measured changes in blood cholesterol levels, liver fat, and body fat. Finally, they tested it in specially bred mice that can’t process cholesterol normally to see how it compared to existing medications.

This research approach is important because it combines laboratory cell studies with animal studies, which helps researchers understand both how the compound works at the cellular level and whether it actually produces health benefits in a living organism. Testing in mice with genetic modifications that mimic human cholesterol problems makes the results more relevant to potential human treatments.

This is original research published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. The researchers used multiple approaches (cell studies, regular mice, and genetically modified mice) to confirm their findings, which strengthens confidence in the results. However, this research has not yet been tested in humans, so we don’t know if it will work the same way in people or if it will be safe for human use.

What the Results Show

In human liver cells, enterocin successfully increased the removal of cholesterol from cells by targeting and breaking down the ASGR1 protein. This triggered a chain reaction involving proteins called AMPKα and LXRα that activated cholesterol-removal genes. In mice fed a high-fat diet, enterocin reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of fat in blood), and bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). The compound also significantly reduced fat buildup in the liver and decreased both belly fat and fat under the skin. Importantly, enterocin worked as well as or better than atorvastatin (a common prescription cholesterol drug) and another experimental cholesterol medication called GW3965.

Enterocin increased the amount of cholesterol excreted in feces, meaning the body was actively removing cholesterol rather than just moving it around. The compound did not affect how much fat the intestines absorbed from food, suggesting it works specifically on the liver rather than throughout the digestive system. This targeted action is important because it means enterocin may have fewer side effects than medications that affect the entire digestive system.

This research builds on existing knowledge that certain proteins in liver cells control cholesterol levels. Previous studies showed that blocking ASGR1 could help with cholesterol, but this is the first time researchers found a natural compound that does this effectively. The fact that enterocin performed as well as established medications suggests it could be a valuable new option for people who need cholesterol-lowering treatments.

This research was only conducted in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans. We don’t know if enterocin will be safe or effective in people, or if it might have side effects. The study didn’t test long-term effects or whether the benefits would continue over time. Researchers also didn’t test enterocin in people with existing health conditions or those taking other medications, so we don’t know how it might interact with other treatments.

The Bottom Line

This research is promising but preliminary. Enterocin should not be used as a treatment yet because it hasn’t been tested in humans. People with high cholesterol should continue taking prescribed medications and following their doctor’s advice. If this compound moves forward to human testing and eventually becomes available, it may offer a new option for cholesterol management, particularly for people who don’t tolerate current medications well. Confidence level: Low to moderate (early-stage research)

People with high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, or those at risk for heart disease should follow this research, but should not expect it to be available soon. Healthcare providers treating cholesterol and liver disease should be aware of this promising new approach. People currently taking cholesterol medications should not change their treatment based on this research.

If enterocin moves forward to human testing, it typically takes 5-10 years for a new drug to go from early research to FDA approval. Even if approved, benefits would likely be seen gradually over weeks to months, similar to current cholesterol medications.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly cholesterol levels (if monitoring at home) and monthly liver function tests (through your doctor) to establish a baseline. If enterocin becomes available, users could log doses and track changes in cholesterol numbers and energy levels over 8-12 week periods
  • While waiting for potential future treatments, users can track and improve diet quality (reducing saturated fats), increase physical activity, and monitor weight changes. The app could help users log high-fat foods and exercise to understand current lifestyle factors affecting cholesterol
  • Set up monthly reminders to check cholesterol levels with a doctor. Create a dashboard showing trends in cholesterol numbers, weight, and liver health markers over time. When enterocin becomes available for testing, the app could help users track adherence and any changes in symptoms or lab values

This research is in early stages and has not been tested in humans. Enterocin is not currently available as a treatment. If you have high cholesterol or fatty liver disease, continue taking medications prescribed by your doctor and do not make changes to your treatment based on this research. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or treatment. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.