27-Hydroxycholesterol
27-Hydroxycholesterol[edit | edit source]
27-Hydroxycholesterol is a cholesterol metabolite that plays a significant role in various biological processes. It is an oxysterol, which is a type of oxidized cholesterol derivative. 27-Hydroxycholesterol is produced in the body through the action of the enzyme cholesterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1), which adds a hydroxyl group to the 27th carbon of the cholesterol molecule.
Biological Functions[edit | edit source]
27-Hydroxycholesterol is involved in several important physiological and pathological processes. It acts as a ligand for liver X receptors (LXRs), which are nuclear receptors that regulate the expression of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. By activating LXRs, 27-hydroxycholesterol can influence the expression of genes that control cholesterol efflux, fatty acid synthesis, and inflammatory responses.
Additionally, 27-hydroxycholesterol has been shown to modulate the activity of estrogen receptors, potentially impacting estrogen signaling pathways. This interaction may have implications for diseases such as breast cancer, where estrogen signaling plays a critical role.
Role in Disease[edit | edit source]
27-Hydroxycholesterol has been implicated in the development and progression of several diseases. Its role in atherosclerosis is of particular interest, as it can contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques by influencing cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory processes within the arterial wall.
In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, 27-hydroxycholesterol has been studied for its potential impact on Alzheimer's disease. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and may affect neuronal function and neuroinflammation.
Synthesis and Metabolism[edit | edit source]
The synthesis of 27-hydroxycholesterol occurs primarily in the liver and macrophages, where cholesterol 27-hydroxylase catalyzes the hydroxylation of cholesterol. Once formed, 27-hydroxycholesterol can be further metabolized into other oxysterols or excreted from the body. Its levels are tightly regulated, as imbalances can lead to pathological conditions.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
