De novo synthesis of steroids and oxysterols in adipocytes

Abstract

Background: Adipocytes are known to metabolize but not synthesize de novo steroids or oxysterols. Results: CYP11A1 in adipocytes is able to synthesize pregnenolone; 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC) is a major cholesterol metabolite in adipocytes exhibiting anti-adipogenic activity. Conclusion: Adipocytes have the ability to synthesize steroids and oxysterols de novo. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.