Skip to content
EntityQ7116159· pop 7· linked from 37 articles

Also known as oxysterols

An oxysterol is a derivative of cholesterol obtained by oxidation involving enzymes and / or pro-oxidants. Such compounds play important roles in various biological processes such as cholesterol homeostasis, lipid metabolism (sphingolipids, fatty acids), apoptosis, autophagy, and prenylation of proteins; the mode of action of oxysterols in these effects is still poorly understood. Several oxysterols are associated with age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, eye disease (cataract, age-related macular degeneration), certain neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Identifying thera

~6 min read

Article

10 sections
Contents
  • Measurement
  • Sources
  • Types
  • Biological activities
  • Disease relevance
  • Cardiovascular and metabolic disorders
  • Nervous system
  • Cancer
  • Example
  • References

An oxysterol is a derivative of cholesterol obtained by oxidation involving enzymes and / or pro-oxidants. Such compounds play important roles in various biological processes such as cholesterol homeostasis, lipid metabolism (sphingolipids, fatty acids), apoptosis, autophagy, and prenylation of proteins; the mode of action of oxysterols in these effects is still poorly understood. Several oxysterols are associated with age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, eye disease (cataract, age-related macular degeneration), certain neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Identifying therapies to regulate the body's production of oxysterols and their biological activities is of therapeutic interest.

A wider definition could encompass oxidized phytosterols, which are also sterols. The term "oxyphytosterols" may be used for distinction.

Available in 7 languages

via Wikidata sitelinks · CC0

Connections

Categories