Squalene (SQ) is a natural triterpene widely distributed in nature. It is a metabolic intermediate of the sterol biosynthetic pathway and represents a possible target in different metabolic and oxidative stress-related disorders. Growing interest has been focused on SQ’s antioxidant properties, derived from its chemical structure. Strong evidence provided by ex vivo models underline its scavenging activity towards free radicals, whereas only a few studies have highlighted its effect in cellular models of oxidative stress. Given the role of unbalanced free radicals in both the onset and progression of several cardiovascular diseases, an in depth evaluation of SQ’s contribution to antioxidant defense mechanisms could represent a strategic approach in dealing with these pathological conditions. At present experimental results overall show a double-edged sword role of squalene in cardiovascular diseases and its function has to be better elucidated in order to establish intervention lines focused on its features. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about endogenous and exogenous sources of SQ and to point out the controversial role of SQ in cardiovascular physiology.

中文翻译：

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角鲨烯：向甾醇迈出的一步。

角鲨烯（SQ）是在自然界中广泛分布的天然三萜。它是固醇生物合成途径的代谢中间产物，代表了与不同代谢和氧化应激相关疾病的可能靶标。人们越来越关注SQ的抗氧化特性，这些化学特性来自其化学结构。离体模型提供的有力证据强调了其对自由基的清除活性，而只有少数研究强调了其在氧化应激细胞模型中的作用。考虑到自由基在几种心血管疾病的发作和发展中的作用，深入评估SQ对抗氧化防御机制的贡献可能是应对这些病理状况的一种战略方法。目前的实验结果总体表明，角鲨烯在心血管疾病中起着双刃剑的作用，其功能必须得到更好的阐明，以便建立针对其特征的干预措施。这篇综述旨在总结当前关于内质和外源性SQ的知识，并指出SQ在心血管生理中的争议作用。