Cerulenin is a natural inhibitor of fatty acid synthase (FAS). It is produced by the fungus Cephalosporium caeruleus.

Cerulenin had a similar effect as StAR overexpression.StAR attenuated lipid synthesis and uptake as well as PA-induced inflammation and reduction in NO bioavailability in aortic endothelial cells. StAR can ameliorate endothelial dysfunction induced by PA via reducing the intracellular lipid levels[1].

The histological profile of ob/ob livers that received cerulenin treatment demonstrated a dramatic reduction in lipid content, which was dose and time dependent. Seven-day treatment of 60 mg/kg cerulenin daily or every other day demonstrated the greatest decrease of fat staining and in some areas of the liver, ORO staining was absent ( Fig. 3D–F ). Two-day treatment of 60 mg/kg cerulenin resulted in a modest reduction in fat content. In contrast, cerulenin given 30 mg/kg was less effective than 60 mg/kg doses, but its effect on fat content was still obvious except for 2-day treatment (data not shown)[2].