1
|
Liu LC, Liang JY, Liu YH, Liu B, Dong XH, Cai WH, Zhang N. The Intersection of cerebral cholesterol metabolism and Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic prospects. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30523. [PMID: 38726205 PMCID: PMC11079309 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly, the exact pathogenesis of which remains incompletely understood, and effective preventive and therapeutic drugs are currently lacking. Cholesterol plays a vital role in cell membrane formation and neurotransmitter synthesis, and its abnormal metabolism is associated with the onset of AD. With the continuous advancement of imaging techniques and molecular biology methods, researchers can more accurately explore the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and AD. Elevated cholesterol levels may lead to vascular dysfunction, thereby affecting neuronal function. Additionally, abnormal cholesterol metabolism may affect the metabolism of β-amyloid protein, thereby promoting the onset of AD. Brain cholesterol levels are regulated by multiple factors. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the subtle relationship between cholesterol homeostasis and AD, and to introduce the latest advances in cholesterol-regulating AD treatment strategies, thereby inspiring readers to contemplate deeply on this complex relationship. Although there are still many unresolved important issues regarding the risk of brain cholesterol and AD, and some studies may have opposite conclusions, further research is needed to enrich our understanding. However, these findings are expected to deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of AD and provide important insights for the future development of AD treatment strategies targeting brain cholesterol homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-cheng Liu
- Pharmaceutical Branch, Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jun-yi Liang
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yan-hong Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-hong Dong
- Jiamusi College, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wen-hui Cai
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zuo Z, Li J, Zhang B, Hang A, Wang Q, Xiong G, Tang L, Zhou Z, Chang X. Early-Life Exposure to Paraquat Aggravates Sex-Specific and Progressive Abnormal Non-Motor Neurobehavior in Aged Mice. TOXICS 2023; 11:842. [PMID: 37888693 PMCID: PMC10611227 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to environmental neurotoxicants is known to have lasting effects on organisms. In this study, we aim to investigate the impacts of PQ exposure during early developmental stages and adult re-challenge in aged mice on non-motor neurobehavior. Two mouse models, which were exposed once during early life stage and re-exposure at adulthood, were created to explore the long-term effects of PQ on non-motor neurobehavior. As the results showed, early-life exposure to PQ caused impairment in working memory and cognitive ability in aged male mice, but not in female mice, exhibiting a sex-specific impairment. Moreover, male mice that were re-challenged with PQ at adulthood following early-life exposure also exhibited non-motor neurobehavioral disorders. Notably, re-exposure to PQ exacerbated neurobehavioral disorders and anxiety levels compared to single exposure during different life stages. Collectively, early-life exposure to PQ can result in irreversible impairments in non-motor neurobehavior and increase susceptibility to subsequent insults in male mice, but not in female mice, suggesting greater sensitivity in male rodents to PQ-induced non-motor neurobehavioral deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzi Zuo
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Room 233, Building 8, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (B.Z.); (A.H.); (G.X.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Jiayi Li
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Room 233, Building 8, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (B.Z.); (A.H.); (G.X.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Bing Zhang
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Room 233, Building 8, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (B.Z.); (A.H.); (G.X.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Ai Hang
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Room 233, Building 8, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (B.Z.); (A.H.); (G.X.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Qiaoxu Wang
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai 201203, China; (Q.W.); (L.T.)
| | - Guiya Xiong
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Room 233, Building 8, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (B.Z.); (A.H.); (G.X.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Liming Tang
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai 201203, China; (Q.W.); (L.T.)
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Room 233, Building 8, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (B.Z.); (A.H.); (G.X.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Xiuli Chang
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Room 233, Building 8, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; (Z.Z.); (J.L.); (B.Z.); (A.H.); (G.X.); (Z.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cai Y, Zhang S, Chen L, Fu Y. Integrated multi-omics and machine learning approach reveals lipid metabolic biomarkers and signaling in age-related meibomian gland dysfunction. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4215-4227. [PMID: 37675286 PMCID: PMC10480060 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a prevalent inflammatory disorder of the ocular surface that significantly impacts patients' vision and quality of life. The underlying mechanism of aging and MGD remains largely uncharacterized. The aim of this work is to investigate lipid metabolic alterations in age-related MGD (ARMGD) through integrated proteomics, lipidomics and machine learning (ML) approach. For this purpose, we collected samples of female mouse meibomian glands (MGs) dissected from eyelids at age two months (n = 9) and two years (n = 9) for proteomic and lipidomic profilings using the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. To further identify ARMGD-related lipid biomarkers, ML model was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. For proteomic profiling, 375 differentially expressed proteins were detected. Functional analyses indicated the leading role of cholesterol biosynthesis in the aging process of MGs. Several proteins were proposed as potential biomarkers, including lanosterol synthase (Lss), 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (Dhcr24), and farnesyl diphosphate farnesyl transferase 1 (Fdft1). Concomitantly, lipidomic analysis unveiled 47 lipid species that were differentially expressed and clustered into four classes. The most notable age-related alterations involved a decline in cholesteryl esters (ChE) levels and an increase in triradylglycerols (TG) levels, accompanied by significant differences in their lipid unsaturation patterns. Through ML construction, it was confirmed that ChE(26:0), ChE(26:1), and ChE(30:1) represent the most promising diagnostic molecules. The present study identified essential proteins, lipids, and signaling pathways in age-related MGD (ARMGD), providing a reference landscape to facilitate novel strategies for the disease transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangbo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tecalco-Cruz AC, López-Canovas L, Azuara-Liceaga E. Estrogen signaling via estrogen receptor alpha and its implications for neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease in aging women. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:783-793. [PMID: 36640216 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a transcription factor activated by estrogenic hormones to regulate gene expression in certain organs, including the brain. In the brain, estrogen signaling pathways are central for maintaining cognitive functions. Herein, we review the neuroprotective effects of estrogens mediated by ERα. The estrogen/ERα pathways are affected by the reduction of estrogens in menopause, and this event may be a risk factor for neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease in women. Thus, developing a better understanding of estrogen/ERα signaling may be critical for defining new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angeles C Tecalco-Cruz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), Apdo, Postal 03100, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Lilia López-Canovas
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), Apdo, Postal 03100, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Elisa Azuara-Liceaga
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), Apdo, Postal 03100, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bai X, Mai M, Yao K, Zhang M, Huang Y, Zhang W, Guo X, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Qurban A, Duan L, Bu J, Zhang J, Wu J, Zhao Y, Yuan X, Zu H. The role of DHCR24 in the pathogenesis of AD: re-cognition of the relationship between cholesterol and AD pathogenesis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:35. [PMID: 35296367 PMCID: PMC8925223 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01338-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies show that 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ24 reductase (DHCR24) has a remarked decline in the brain of AD patients. In brain cholesterol synthetic metabolism, DHCR24 is known as the heavily key synthetase in cholesterol synthesis. Moreover, mutations of DHCR24 gene result in inhibition of the enzymatic activity of DHCR24, causing brain cholesterol deficiency and desmosterol accumulation. Furthermore, in vitro studies also demonstrated that DHCR24 knockdown lead to the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, and the decrease of plasma membrane cholesterol and intracellular cholesterol level. Obviously, DHCR24 could play a crucial role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis via the control of cholesterol synthesis. Over the past two decades, accumulating data suggests that DHCR24 activity is downregulated by major risk factors for AD, suggesting a potential link between DHCR24 downregulation and AD pathogenesis. Thus, the brain cholesterol loss seems to be induced by the major risk factors for AD, suggesting a possible causative link between brain cholesterol loss and AD. According to previous data and our study, we further found that the reduced cholesterol level in plasma membrane and intracellular compartments by the deficiency of DHCR24 activity obviously was involved in β-amyloid generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, apoptosis. Importantly, increasing evidences reveal that the brain cholesterol loss and lipid raft disorganization are obviously linked to neuropathological impairments which are associated with AD pathogenesis. Therefore, based on previous data and research on DHCR24, we suppose that the brain cholesterol deficiency/loss might be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun X, Harris KE, Hou L, Xia X, Liu X, Ge M, Jia S, Zhou L, Zhao W, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Mei Y, Zhang G, Xin L, Hao Q, Shen Y, Xiao C, Yue J, Ge N, Li Y, Dong B, Xue Q. The prevalence and associated factors of motoric cognitive risk syndrome in multiple ethnic middle‐aged to older adults in west China: A cross‐sectional study. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:1354-1365. [PMID: 35118760 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Sun
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | | | - Lisha Hou
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Xin Xia
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Meiling Ge
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Shuli Jia
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Lixing Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Wanyu Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Yan Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Yunli Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Yang Mei
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Gongchang Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Liuyi Xin
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Qiukui Hao
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Yanjiao Shen
- Department of Guideline and Rapid Recommendation Cochrane China Centre MAGIC China Centre Chinese Evidence‐Based Medicine Centre West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Chun Xiao
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Jirong Yue
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Ning Ge
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Ying Li
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Birong Dong
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Qianli Xue
- Departments of Medicine, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu H, Huang Z, Zhang X, He Y, Gu S, Mo D, Wang S, Yuan Z, Huang Y, Zhong Q, Zhou R, Wu K, Zou F, Wu X. Association between lipid metabolism and cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1013698. [PMID: 36506447 PMCID: PMC9729695 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1013698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between blood lipids and cognitive function in schizophrenia is still controversial. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the association between various lipid parameters and cognitive impairment in schizophrenic patients and potential lipid pathways. METHODS A total of 447 adult inpatients with schizophrenia were divided into cognitive normal and cognitive impairment groups based on the Mini-Mental State Examination with a cut-off of 26. The blood lipid parameters were defined as abnormal levels based on the guideline. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was used to preliminarily explore the potential lipid metabolism pathway associated with cognitive impairment. RESULTS There were 368 (82.3%) patients who had cognitive impairment. Herein, apolipoprotein B was positively associated with cognitive function in overall patients and age (≥45 and <45 years) and sex subgroups. After excluding patients with hypertension and diabetes, ApoB was still significantly associated with cognitive function in all the patients. The associations between other lipid parameters, including non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride, and cognitive impairment were heterogeneous in age and sex subgroups. In contrast, total cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 were not significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Metabolomics analysis showed that metabolic pathway mainly involved sphingolipid metabolism. Meanwhile, sphinganine and 3-dehydrosphinganine were positively correlated with lipid parameters and decreased in patients with cognitive impairment as compared to those with normal cognition. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests a positive association between lipids and cognitive function in schizophrenic patients and needs to be further verified by a prospective study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huamin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yong He
- Baiyun Jingkang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Dan Mo
- Baiyun Jingkang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Zelin Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yining Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keyi Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Zou
- Department of Occupational Health and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianbo Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xie Y, Yan B, Hou M, Zhou M, Liu C, Sun M, He K, Fang C, Chen Y, Huang L. Erzhi pills ameliorate cognitive dysfunction and alter proteomic hippocampus profiles induced by d-galactose and Aβ 1-40 injection in ovariectomized Alzheimer's disease model rats. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:1402-1414. [PMID: 34672897 PMCID: PMC8547838 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1990353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Erzhi pills are a classic Chinese medicine prescription, but their effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD) are not clear. OBJECTIVE The protective effects of Erzhi pills in AD rats and their potential mechanisms were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS An AD rat model was established by ovariectomy combined with d-galactose and Aβ1-40 injection. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham-operated, model, oestradiol valerate (0.80 mg/kg), Erzhi pills high-dose (1.50 g/kg), and Erzhi pills low-dose (0.75 g/kg). Learning and memory abilities were evaluated with the Morris water maze test, oestrogen levels with an ELISA kit, and hippocampal neuron morphology and Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm with H&E and Nissl staining. The expression of ERβ, Aβ1-40, and p-tau404 was determined by immunohistochemistry. Nano LC-LTQ-Orbitrap Proteomics determined potential targets and related signalling pathways. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the related proteins. RESULTS Erzhi pills (1.5, 0.75 g/kg) markedly reduced escape latencies on the MWM, increased numbers of platform crossings, numbers of neurons, Nissl bodies, oestrogen levels (100.18, 43.04 pg/mL), and ERβ-positive cells (57.42, 39.83); Aβ1-40 (18.85, 36.83)- and p-tau404 (14.42, 29.71)-positive cells were significantly decreased. Proteomics identified more than 100 differentially expressed proteins involved in 48 signalling pathways, five of which are involved in the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Western blotting showed decreased expression of GSK3β and Bad, while Akt, PI3K, 14-3-3, Bcl-xl, and Bcl-2 were upregulated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Erzhi pills may serve as a potential agent for AD therapeutics by improving learning and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Bo Yan
- Clinical Development Department, Shandong Qidu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Zibo, China
| | - Min Hou
- Pharmacy Department, The Second People’s Hospital of Jingdezhen, Jingdezhen, China
| | - Maofu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengsheng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Kun He
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Cong Fang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yaohui Chen
- Nephrology Department, Jiang Xi Provincial People’s Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Liping Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang Y, Wei J, Li J, Cui Y, Zhou X, Xie J. Lipid metabolism in cartilage and its diseases: a concise review of the research progress. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 53:517-527. [PMID: 33638344 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeostasis of the vertebrate body depends on anabolic and catabolic activities that are closely linked the inside and outside of the cell. Lipid metabolism plays an essential role in these metabolic activities. Although a large amount of evidence shows that normal lipid metabolism guarantees the conventional physiological activities of organs in the vertebrate body and that abnormal lipid metabolism plays an important role in the occurrence and deterioration of cardiovascular-related diseases, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, and type II diabetes, little is known about the role of lipid metabolism in cartilage and its diseases. This review aims to summarize the latest advances about the function of lipid metabolism in cartilage and its diseases including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cartilage tumors. With the gradual in-depth understanding of lipid metabolism in cartilage, treatment methods could be explored to focus on this metabolic process in various cartilage diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jieya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jiachi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Qi Z, Zhang Y, Yao K, Zhang M, Xu Y, Zhang J, Bai X, Zu H. DHCR24 Knockdown Lead to Hyperphosphorylation of Tau at Thr181, Thr231, Ser262, Ser396, and Ser422 Sites by Membrane Lipid-Raft Dependent PP2A Signaling in SH-SY5Y Cells. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1627-1640. [PMID: 33710538 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03273-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating data suggest that the downregulation of DHCR24 is linked to the pathological risk factors of AD, denoting a potential role of DHCR24 in AD pathogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether the downregulation of DHCR24 affects the abnormal heper-phosphorylation of tau protein, which is involved in tauopathy. In present papers, immunofluorescence and Filipin III fluorescence results showed that DHCR24 knockdown significantly lowered the level of plasma membrane cholesterol and expression level of membrane lipid-raft structural protein caveolin-1; and overexpression of DHCR24 could increase the plasma membrane cholesterol levels and facilitating caveolae structure through increase the expression of caveolin-1. PP2A is the key phosphatase involving in tau phosphorylation, which is localized in cholesterol-dependent caveola/raft lipid domains. Here, the PP2A activity was detected by western blot assay. Interestingly, the level of p-PP2Ac at Y307 (inactive) and p-GSK3β at Y216 (active) in the downstream of the PP2A signal pathway were both significantly increased in silencing DHCR24 SH-SY5Y cells, which denoted an inhibition of the PP2A and activation of GSK3β signaling. Conversely, overexpression of DHCR24 blunted the inhibition effect of PP2A and activation of GSK3β. Besides, in the SH-SY5Y cell lines we demonstrated that DHCR24 knockdown obviously induced hyperphosphorylation of tau at Thr181, Thr231, Ser262, Ser396, and Ser422 Sites. In contrast, DHCR24 overexpression protects neuronal SH-SY5Y cells against the hyperphosphorylation of tau at Thr181, Thr231, Ser262, Ser396, and Ser422 Sites. Furthermore, PP2A activator D-erythro-Sphingosine (DES) also obviously inhibited the hyperphosphorylation of tau induced by DHCR24 knockdown. Collectively, our findings firstly confirmed that DHCR24 knockdown obviously induced abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau by a novel lipid raft-dependent PP2A signaling. We propose that DHCR24 downregulation led to altered cholesterol synthesis as a potential mechanism in the progression of tau hyperphosphorylation involving in AD and other tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Qi
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Yixuan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Xiaojing Bai
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China.
| | - Hengbing Zu
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gilli F, DiSano KD, Pachner AR. SeXX Matters in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:616. [PMID: 32719651 PMCID: PMC7347971 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). An interesting feature that this debilitating disease shares with many other inflammatory disorders is that susceptibility is higher in females than in males, with the risk of MS being three times higher in women compared to men. Nonetheless, while men have a decreased risk of developing MS, many studies suggest that males have a worse clinical outcome. MS exhibits an apparent sexual dimorphism in both the immune response and the pathophysiology of the CNS damage, ultimately affecting disease susceptibility and progression differently. Overall, women are predisposed to higher rates of inflammatory relapses than men, but men are more likely to manifest signs of disease progression and worse CNS damage. The observed sexual dimorphism in MS may be due to sex hormones and sex chromosomes, acting in parallel or combination. In this review, we outline current knowledge on the sexual dimorphism in MS and discuss the interplay of sex chromosomes, sex hormones, and the immune system in driving MS disease susceptibility and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gilli
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li X, Zhu X, Zhang W, Yang F, Hui J, Tan J, Xie H, Peng D, Ma L, Cui L, Zhang S, Lv Z, Sun L, Yuan H, Zhou Q, Wang L, Qi S, Wang Z, Hu C, Yang Z. The etiological effect of a new low-frequency ESR1 variant on Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: a population-based study. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:2316-2337. [PMID: 30222591 PMCID: PMC6188501 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Latent genetic variations of cholesterol metabolism-related genes in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, especially, as well as in mild cognitive impairment pathogenesis are still to be studied extensively. Thus, we performed the targeted-sequencing of 12 nuclear receptor genes plus APOE which were involved in cholesterol content modulation to screen susceptible genetic variants and focused on a new risk variant ESR1 rs9340803 at 6q25.1 for both late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (OR=3.30[1.84~4.22], p<0.001) and mild cognitive impairment (OR=3.08[1.75~3.89], p<0.001). This low-frequency variant was validated in three independent cohorts totaling 854 late-onset Alzheimer’s disease cases, 1059 mild cognitive impairment cases and 1254 controls from nine provinces of China mainland. Preliminary functional study on it revealed decreased ESR1 expression in vitro. Besides, we detected higher serum Aβ1-40 concentration in participants carrying this variant (p=0.038) and lower plasma total cholesterol level in this variant carriers with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (p=0.009). In summary, we identified a susceptible variant which might contribute to developing mild cognitive impairment at earlier stage and Alzheimer’s Disease later. Our study would provide new insight into the disease causation of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and could be exploited therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Li
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100001, P.R.China.,The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Xiaoquan Zhu
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Wandong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1H 8M5, Canada.,Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Fan Yang
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Juan Hui
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Jiping Tan
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Haiqun Xie
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Foshan, 528000, P.R.China
| | - Dantao Peng
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, P.R.China
| | - Lihua Ma
- 253 Hospital of PLA, Huhehot,, 010051, P.R.China
| | - Lianqi Cui
- Department of Neurology, 401 Hospital of PLA, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, P.R.China
| | - Shouzi Zhang
- Department of Neurology of Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, 100095, P.R.China
| | - Zeping Lv
- National Rehabilitation Aids Research Center, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Beijing, 100176, P.R.China
| | - Liang Sun
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Huiping Yuan
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Qi Zhou
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Luning Wang
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| | - Shige Qi
- National Center for Chronic and Non-communicable Diseae Control and Prevention, Chinease CDC, Beijing, 100050, P.R.China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- National Center for Chronic and Non-communicable Diseae Control and Prevention, Chinease CDC, Beijing, 100050, P.R.China
| | - Caiyou Hu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangbin Hospital, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, P.R.China
| | - Ze Yang
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100001, P.R.China.,The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fernández-Cabada T, Ramos-Gómez M. A Novel Contrast Agent Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cholesterol Detection as Alzheimer's Disease Biomarker. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2019; 14:36. [PMID: 30684043 PMCID: PMC6349267 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-019-2863-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the high incidence of Alzheimer's disease among the world population over the years, and the costs that the disease poses in sanitary and social terms to countries, it is necessary to develop non-invasive diagnostic tests that allow to detect early biomarkers of the disease. Within the early diagnosis methods, the development of contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging becomes especially useful. Accumulating evidence suggests that cholesterol may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease since abnormal deposits of cholesterol surrounding senile plaques have been described in animal transgenic models and patients with Alzheimer's disease. In vivo experiments have also shown that diet-induced hypercholesterolemia enhances intraneuronal accumulation of β-amyloid protein accompanied by microgliosis and accelerates β-amyloid deposition in brains. PRESENTATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS In the present study, we propose for the first time the synthesis of a new nanoconjugate composed of magnetic nanoparticles bound to an anti-cholesterol antibody, to detect the abnormal deposits of cholesterol observed in senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease by magnetic resonance imaging. The nanoplatform could also reveal the decrease of cholesterol observed in neuronal plasmatic membranes associated with this pathology. TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS Experimental design to test the hypothesis will be done first in vitro and then in ex vivo and in vivo studies in a second stage. IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS The designed nanoplatform could therefore detect cholesterol deposits at the cerebral level. The detection of this biomarker in areas coinciding with senile plaque accumulations could provide early information on the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Fernández-Cabada
- Centre for Biomedical Technology (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus de Montegancedo, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Milagros Ramos-Gómez
- Centre for Biomedical Technology (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus de Montegancedo, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Karahan H, Lüle S, Kelicen-Uğur P. Aromatase/Seladin-1 Interactions in Human Neuronal Cell Culture, the Hippocampus of Healthy Rats and Transgenic Alzheimer’s Disease Mice. Pharmacology 2018; 102:42-52. [DOI: 10.1159/000488765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background/Aims: Decreasing levels of aromatase and seladin-1 could be one of the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aromatase is an enzyme that catalyzes estrogen biosynthesis from androgen precursors, and seladin-1 is an enzyme that converts desmosterol to cholesterol, which is the precursor of all hormones. Verifying the potential relationship between these proteins and accordingly determining new therapeutic targets constitute the aims of this study. Methods: Changes in protein levels were compared in vitro in aromatase and seladin-1 inhibitor-administered human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells in vivo in intracerebroventricular (icv) aromatase or seladin-1 inhibitor-administered rats, as well as in transgenic AD mice in which the genes encoding these proteins were knocked out. Results and Conclusions: In the cell cultures, we observed that seladin-1 protein levels increased after aromatase enzyme inhibition. The hippocampal aromatase protein levels decreased following chronic seladin-1 inhibition in icv inhibitor-administered rats; however, the aromatase levels in the dentate gyrus of seladin-1 knockout (SelKO) AD male mice increased. These findings indicate a partial relationship between these proteins and their roles in AD pathology.
Collapse
|
15
|
Marin R, Diaz M. Estrogen Interactions With Lipid Rafts Related to Neuroprotection. Impact of Brain Ageing and Menopause. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:128. [PMID: 29559883 PMCID: PMC5845729 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens (E2) exert a plethora of neuroprotective actions against aged-associated brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Part of these actions takes place through binding to estrogen receptors (ER) embedded in signalosomes, where numerous signaling proteins are clustered. Signalosomes are preferentially located in lipid rafts which are dynamic membrane microstructures characterized by a peculiar lipid composition enriched in gangliosides, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sphingolipids. Rapid E2 interactions with ER-related signalosomes appear to trigger intracellular signaling ultimately leading to the activation of molecular mechanisms against AD. We have previously observed that the reduction of E2 blood levels occurring during menopause induced disruption of ER-signalosomes at frontal cortical brain areas. These molecular changes may reduce neuronal protection activities, as similar ER signalosome derangements were observed in AD brains. The molecular impairments may be associated with changes in the lipid composition of lipid rafts observed in neurons during menopause and AD. These evidences indicate that the changes in lipid raft structure during aging may be at the basis of alterations in the activity of ER and other neuroprotective proteins integrated in these membrane microstructures. Moreover, E2 is a homeostatic modulator of lipid rafts. Recent work has pointed to this relevant aspect of E2 activity to preserve brain integrity, through mechanisms affecting lipid uptake and local biosynthesis in the brain. Some evidences have demonstrated that estrogens and the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exert synergistic effects to stabilize brain lipid matrix. DHA is essential to enhance molecular fluidity at the plasma membrane, promoting functional macromolecular interactions in signaling platforms. In support of this, DHA detriment in neuronal lipid rafts has been associated with the most common age-associated neuropathologies, namely AD and Parkinson disease. Altogether, these findings indicate that E2 may participate in brain preservation through a dual membrane-related mechanism. On the one hand, E2 interacting with ER related signalosomes may protect against neurotoxic insults. On the other hand, E2 may exert lipostatic actions to preserve lipid balance in neuronal membrane microdomains. The different aspects of the emerging multifunctional role of estrogens in membrane-related signalosomes will be discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Marin
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.,Fisiología y Biofísica de la Membrana Celular en Patologías Neurodegenerativas y Tumorales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Unidad Asociada de Investigación, Universidad de La Laguna Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Mario Diaz
- Fisiología y Biofísica de la Membrana Celular en Patologías Neurodegenerativas y Tumorales, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Unidad Asociada de Investigación, Universidad de La Laguna Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain.,Laboratory of Membrane Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Animal Biology, Edaphology and Geology, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gerszon J, Walczak A, Rodacka A. Attenuation of H2O2-induced neuronal cell damage by piceatannol. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|
17
|
He S, Nelson ER. 27-Hydroxycholesterol, an endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator. Maturitas 2017; 104:29-35. [PMID: 28923174 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERs) mediate the actions of the steroidal estrogens, and are important for the regulation of several physiological and pathophysiological processes, including reproduction, bone physiology, cardiovascular physiology and breast cancer. The unique pharmacology of the ERs allows for certain ligands, such as tamoxifen, to elicit tissue- and context-specific responses, ligands now referred to as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Recently, the cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxychoelsterol (27HC) has been defined as an endogenous SERM, with activities in atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, breast and prostate cancers, and neural degenerative diseases. Since 27HC concentrations closely mirror those of cholesterol, it is possible that 27HC mediates many of the biological effects of cholesterol. This paper provides an overview of ER pharmacology and summarizes the work to date implicating 27HC in various diseases. Wherever possible, we highlight clinical data in support of a role for 27HC in the diseases discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sisi He
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Erik R Nelson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|