From glioblastoma to COVID-19 – role of oxysterols in the human organism

Abstract

Cholesterol is a precursor molecule for vitamin D, bile acids, and steroid hormones. Its oxidized forms, called oxysterols are by-products for synthesis, but also regulate cholesterol’s metabolism through different cell receptors. Cholesterol and oxysterols are important cell membrane components. Oxysterols show more biological activity than cholesterol itself, due to their pleiotropic cell effects. Oxysterol, contrary to cholesterol can cross the blood-brain barier and influence the nervous system. The etiology and pathogenesis of cancer can also be influenced by oxysterols. Elevated levels of oxysterol is often observed in many pathological state: diabetes, atherosclerosis, dementia, or endometriosis. Cholesterol’s oxidized forms can regulate immunity by activation or suppression of the immune cell during virus infection and inflammation.