We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Cholesterol Metabolite Contributes to Buildup of Atherosclerotic Plaques

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Jul 2014
Print article
A recent paper described the mechanism by which the cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC) contributes to the development of the fatty plaques that characterize atherosclerosis.

27HC is an abundant oxysterol metabolized by an enzyme encoded by the CYP7B1 (cytochrome P450, family 7, subfamily B, polypeptide 1) gene. This gene encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. The cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases, which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids, and other lipids. This enzyme likely plays a minor role in total bile acid synthesis, but may also be involved in the development of atherosclerosis, neurosteroid metabolism, and sex hormone synthesis.

Investigators at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, USA) used mouse and culture models to determine how 27HC modulated lipid metabolism. Results published in the June 2014 online edition of the journal Cell Metabolism revealed that in a mouse model (apoe−/−) where 27HC was elevated due to the genetically engineered deletion of CYP7B1, development of atherosclerosis was promoted without altering lipid status while estrogen-related atheroprotection was weakened.

27HC was found to upregulate proinflammatory genes and increase adhesion via the estrogen receptor in monocytes and macrophages. In endothelial cells, 27HC was also pro-adhesive via the estrogen receptor, and in contrast to estrogen, which inhibited NF-kappaB activation, 27HC stimulated NF-kappaB activation.

"When 27HC is present, estrogen's protective effects are only observed at very high levels of the hormone," said senior author Dr. Philip W. Shaul, professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "This result may explain why hormone therapy with estrogen does not provide cardiovascular benefit in women with preexisting atherosclerosis, in which 27HC is abundant in the vascular wall. Although statins have had a dramatic impact on cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol, we still need complementary methods to combat atherosclerosis. Targeting 27HC, either by lowering the levels of this compound or by inhibiting its actions, could potentially provide a complementary approach to preventing vascular disease."

Related Links:

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center


Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Flu Test
ID NOW Influenza A & B 2
New
UHF RFID Tag and Inlay
AD-321r6/AD-321r6-P

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of maternal biomarker discovery using cell-free RNA during pregnancy (Photo courtesy of Circulation Research (2024). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325024)

Maternal Blood Test Identifies Congenital Heart Diseases in Fetus

Each year, around 1,000 children are born with a single ventricle heart defect (SVHD), a condition where one of the heart's lower chambers is underdeveloped, too small, or missing a valve.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.