Inflammatory response cholesterol metabolism

The two principal groups of adrenal steroids are the glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. These hormones are synthesized from cholesterol within cells of the adrenal cortex. The primary glucocorticoid produced in humans is cortisol (hydrocortisone), and the primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. Glucocorticoids exert a number of effects such as regulation of glucose metabolism, attenuation of the inflammatory response, and suppression of the immune system. Mineralocorticoids are involved primarily in the control of fluid and electrolyte balance. 

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses in the CNS [440], LXR agonists induce the transcriptional activity of LXR target genes, attenuating the imbalance of cholesterol metabolism and overactivation of microglia and astrocytes in inflammation [441],... 

Gene transcription Cell-cycle progression Organ formation Circadian rhythms Inflammatory response Tumor suppression Cholesterol metabolism Antigen processing... 

Although important links exist between cholesterol metabolism and aspects of cell function, other complicating factors must be considered. Cholesterol metabolism is sensitive to the inflammatory response that accompanies most pathological events. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) reduces LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and inhibits lipoprotein lipase, resulting in a fall in cholesterol and an increase in triacylglycerol levels. These changes may be perpetuated beyond the acute phase if an inflammatory process is present. Cholesterol metabolism is also sensitive to genetic and environmental factors, which may have independent effects on noncardiovascular disease. As a consequence, the relationship between cholesterol levels and the presence or absence of a disease state must be interpreted with caution. 

The farnesoid X receptor is a member of the class of nuclear hormone receptors, which have key roles in development and homeostasis, as well as in many diseases like obesity, diabetes and cancer. The farnesoid X receptor shows structural similarity to the estrogen receptor (ER ), which mediates a broad spectrum of physiological functions such as regulation of reproduction, modulation of bone density, cholesterol transport and breast cancer. The farnesoid X receptor also shows similarity with the peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor y (PPARy), which is involved in fat metabolism, inflammatory and immune responses. The estrogen receptor (ER ), the peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor y (PPARy) and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) can be clustered in a... 

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