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Oxysterols are oxidized derivatives of cholesterol that play regulatory roles in lipid biosynthesis and homeostasis. How oxysterol signaling coordinates different lipid classes such as sterols and triglycerides remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that 4β-hydroxycholesterol (HC) (4β-HC), a liver and serum abundant oxysterol of poorly defined functions, is a potent and selective inducer of the master lipogenic transcription factor, SREBP1c, but not the related steroidogenic transcription factor SREBP2. By correlating tracing of lipid synthesis with lipogenic gene expression profiling, we found that 4β-HC acts as a putative agonist for the liver X receptor (LXR), a sterol sensor and transcriptional regulator previously linked to SREBP1c activation. Unique among the oxysterol agonists of the LXR, 4β-HC induced expression of the lipogenic program downstream of SREBP1c and triggered de novo lipogenesis both in primary hepatocytes and in the mouse liver. In addition, 4β-HC acted in parallel to insulin-PI3K–dependent signaling to stimulate triglyceride synthesis and lipid-droplet accumulation. Thus, 4β-HC is an endogenous regulator of de novo lipogenesis through the LXR-SREBP1c axis.

The interplay between cellular stress and immune response can be variable and sometimes contradictory. The mechanisms by which stress-activated pathways regulate the inflammatory response to a pathogen, in autoimmunity or during cancer progression remain unclear in many aspects, despite our recent knowledge of the signalling and transcriptional pathways involved in these diseases. In this context, over the last decade many studies demonstrated that cholesterol metabolism is an important checkpoint for immune homeostasis and cancer progression. Indeed, cholesterol is actively metabolized and can regulate, through its mobilization and/or production of active derivatives, many aspects of immunity and inflammation. Moreover, accumulation of cholesterol has been described in cancer cells, indicating metabolic addiction. The nuclear receptors liver-X-receptors (LXRs) are important regulators of intracellular cholesterol and lipids homeostasis. They have also key regulatory roles in immune response, as they can regulate inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, activation of LXRs has been reported to affect the proliferation and survival of different cancer cell types that show altered metabolic pathways and accumulation of cholesterol. In this minireview we will give an overview of the recent understandings about the mechanisms through which LXRs regulate inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer, and the therapeutic potential for future treatment of these diseases through modulation of cholesterol metabolism.

The interplay between cellular stress and immune response can be variable and sometimes contradictory. The mechanisms by which stress-activated pathways regulate the inflammatory response to a pathogen, in autoimmunity or during cancer progression remain unclear in many aspects, despite our recent knowledge of the signalling and transcriptional pathways involved in these diseases. In this context, over the last decade many studies demonstrated that cholesterol metabolism is an important checkpoint for immune homeostasis and cancer progression. Indeed, cholesterol is actively metabolized and can regulate, through its mobilization and/or production of active derivatives, many aspects of immunity and inflammation. Moreover, accumulation of cholesterol has been described in cancer cells, indicating metabolic addiction. The nuclear receptors liver-X-receptors (LXRs) are important regulators of intracellular cholesterol and lipids homeostasis. They have also key regulatory roles in immune response, as they can regulate inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, activation of LXRs has been reported to affect the proliferation and survival of different cancer cell types that show altered metabolic pathways and accumulation of cholesterol. In this minireview we will give an overview of the recent understandings about the mechanisms through which LXRs regulate inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer, and the therapeutic potential for future treatment of these diseases through modulation of cholesterol metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of nuclear receptors (NR), for example the retinoid-X-receptors (RXR) or the liver-X-receptors (LXR), plays a crucial role as the molecular initiating event in the adverse outcome pathway for liver steatosis. The downstream biological consequences of NR interactions are still not fully understood, especially with multi-receptor-activating compounds and their mixtures. While the default assumption for mixture risk assessment is dose addition, the potential of combinations of synthetic RXR agonists to exert synergistic effects has been shown in the context of NR activation studies. The fact that RXR and LXR are heterodimerization partners raises the question whether combinations of LXR and RXR agonists may cause synergistic effects. Compounds with defined properties were chosen to examine their interactions regarding the activation of RXR and LXR, as well as the steatosis-related key events target gene activation and triglyceride accumulation, using the human HepaRG liver cell model. Synergistic effects were determined for cellular triglyceride accumulation, especially at high compound concentrations, as evaluated using five different mathematical models. Altered LXRα activation in the presence of RXR agonists was observed, and synergistic effects on LXR target genes were identified as a presumably underlying mechanism of the observed synergistic effect. These findings challenge the general validity of dose addition as the default assumption for mixture effects, and point toward the need for a mode of action-based risk assessment for chemical mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperlipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of both myocardial infarction and stroke. We have previously shown that the Pro251 variant of perilipin-2 reduces plasma triglycerides and may therefore be beneficial to reduce atherosclerosis development.Objective: We sought to delineate putative beneficial effects of the Pro251 variant of perlipin-2 on subclinical atherosclerosis and the mechanism by which it acts.Methods: A pan-European cohort of high-risk individuals where carotid intima-media thickness has been assessed was adopted. Human primary monocyte-derived macrophages were prepared from whole blood from individuals recruited by perilipin-2 genotype or from buffy coats from the Karolinska University hospital blood central.Results: The Pro251 variant of perilipin-2 is associated with decreased intima-media thickness at baseline and over 30 months of follow-up. Using human primary monocyte-derived macrophages from carriers of the beneficial Pro251 variant, we show that this variant increases autophagy activity, cholesterol efflux and a controlled inflammatory response. Through extensive mechanistic studies, we demonstrate that increase in autophagy activity is accompanied with an increase in liver-X-receptor (LXR) activity and that LXR and autophagy reciprocally activate each other in a feed-forward loop, regulated by CYP27A1 and 27OH-cholesterol.Conclusions: For the first time, we show that perilipin-2 affects susceptibility to human atherosclerosis through activation of autophagy and stimulation of cholesterol efflux. We demonstrate that perilipin-2 modulates levels of the LXR ligand 27OH-cholesterol and initiates a feed-forward loop where LXR and autophagy reciprocally activate each other; the mechanism by which perilipin-2 exerts its beneficial effects on subclinical atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cornified lipid envelope (CLE) is a lipid monolayer covalently bound to the outside of corneocytes and is part of the stratum corneum (SC). The CLE is suggested to act as a scaffold for the unbound SC lipids. By profiling the bound CLE ceramides, a new subclass was discovered and identified as an omega-hydroxylated dihydrosphingosine (OdS) ceramide. Bound glucosylceramides were observed in superficial SC layers of healthy human skin. To investigate the relation between bound and unbound SC ceramides, the composition of both fractions was analyzed and compared. Selectivity in ceramide binding towards unsaturated ceramides and ceramides with a shorter chain length was observed. The selectivity in ceramide species bound to the cornified envelope is thought to have a physiological function in corneocyte flexibility. Next, it was examined if skin models exhibit an altered bound ceramide composition and if the composition was dependent on liver X-receptor (LXR) activation. The effects of an LXR agonist and antagonist on the bound ceramides composition of a full thickness model (FTM) were analyzed. In FTMs, a decreased amount of bound ceramides was observed compared to native human skin. Furthermore, FTMs had a bound ceramide fraction which consisted mostly of unsaturated and shorter ceramides. The LXR antagonist had a normalizing effect on the FTM bound ceramide composition. The agonist exhibited minimal effects. We show that ceramide binding is a selective process, yet, still is contingent on lipid synthesized. Unlabelled Image • In skin, a new ceramide subclass of omegahydroxy dihydrosphingosine was discovered. • Ceramide binding is a selective process towards shorter and unsaturated ceramides. • Reduced amounts of bound ceramides were observed in skin models. • Bound ceramides in skin models were mostly unsaturated and short. • The bound ceramides composition was affected by Liver-X receptor inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to define the anti-atherosclerotic role of liver-X-receptors (LXRs) under lesion progressive and lesion regressive conditions, to establish a temporal line of events, and to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying the anti-atherogenic potency of LXRs. We used apoE*3Leiden (E3L) mice to comprehensively and time-dependently dissect how T0901317, an LXR-agonist, inhibits initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions and regresses existing lipid- and macrophage-rich lesions. T0901317 suppresses lesion evolution and promotes lesion regression regarding lesion number, area, and severity. Quantitative plasma and vessel wall analyses corroborated by immunohistochemical evaluation of the aortic lesions revealed that under progressive (high-cholesterol diet) as well as regressive (cholesterol-free diet) conditions T0901317: i) significantly increases plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels; ii) does not affect the systemic inflammation marker, Serum amyloid A (SAA); iii) suppresses endothelial monocyte adhesion; and iv) induces the expression of the cholesterol efflux-related genes apolipoprotein E (apoE), ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. Furthermore, under progressive conditions, T0901317 suppresses the vascular inflammatory status (NF-κB) and the vascular expression of adhesion molecules [E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and CD44], lowers lesional macrophage accumulation, and blocks lesion evolution at the transition from lesional stage II to III. Under regressive conditions, T0901317 induces lesional macrophage disappearance and increases the expression of the chemokine receptor CCR7, a factor functionally required for regression. The LXR-agonist T0901317 retards vascular lesion development and promotes lesion regression at several levels. The findings support that vascular LXR is a potential anti-atherosclerotic target.

Nephrotoxicity is a rare complication caused by anti-tuberculosis therapy-induced oxidative stress. The CyanobacteriumSpirulina fusiformisVoronikhin belonging to Oscillatoriaceae family is used traditionally as a source of antioxidants against oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the efficacy ofS. fusiformisin modifying isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF)-induced changes in Wistar rat kidneys. Animals were divided into six groups: normal control rats; toxic control (INH & RIF—50 mg/kg b.w./d each; p.o.); INH & RIF + S. fusiformis(400 mg/kg b.w./d); INH & RIF + S. fusiformis(800 mg/kg b.w./d);S. fusiformis(800 mg/kg b.w./d) alone-treated rats; INH & RIF + silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w./d). Study duration was 28 d after which blood and kidneys were analyzed. We also studied the binding and interactions of the transcription factors Liver X Receptor (LXR) and Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) with INH, RIF, and representative active compounds ofS. fusiformisbyin silicomethods. INH & RIF treatment caused significant (p< 0.05) decrease in antioxidant levels and significant (p< 0.05) increase in the levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid showing impaired kidney function.Spirulina fusiformisameliorated these effects in a dose dependent manner. Histological examination of kidneys supported these findings. Results of thein silicoanalyses showed that selected active components ofS. fusiformisinteract with LXR and FXR and could be a possible mechanism of action.S. fusiformisrendered protection against anti-tuberculosis drugs-induced oxidative stress in kidney tissues of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The individual chemical components of commercial extract of Gymnema sylvestre , a medicinal plant used in the traditional systems of the Indian medicine for its antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties, were isolated and evaluated for their capability to act as modulators of nuclear and membrane receptors involved in glucose and lipid homeostasis. The study disclosed for the first time that individual gymnemic acids are potent and selective antagonists for the β isoform of LXR. Indeed the above activity was shared by the most abundant aglycone gymnemagenin ( 10 ) whereas gymnestrogenin ( 11 ) was endowed with a dual LXRα/β antagonistic profile. Deep pharmacological investigation demonstrated that gymnestrogenin, reducing the expression of SREBP1c and ABCA1 in vitro , is able to decrease lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. The results of this study substantiate the use of G. sylvestre extract in LXR mediated dislypidemic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organ content of the mevalonate pathway lipids was investigated in liver-X-receptor (LXR) α, β and double knock-out mice. An extensive or moderate increase of total cholesterol in the double KO mice was found in all organs elicited by the increase of the esterified form. In LXRα and double KO mice, coenzyme Q (CoQ) was decreased in liver and increased in spleen, thymus and lung, while dolichol was increased in all organs investigated. This effect was confirmed using LXR- agonist GW 3965. Analysis of CoQ distribution in organelles showed that the modifications are present in all cellular compartments and that the increase of the lipid in mitochondria was the result of a net increase of CoQ without changing the number of mitochondria. It appears that LXR influences not only cellular cholesterol homeostasis but also the metabolism of CoQ and dolichol, in an indirect manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration of CD4-positive lymphocytes into the vessel wall is a critical step in atherogenesis. Recent data suggest that CD4-positive lymphocytes express the nuclear transcription factors Liver-X-Receptor (LXR) alpha and beta with an effect of LXR activators on TH1-cytokine release from these cells. However, the role of LXR in lymphocyte migration remains currently unexplored. Therefore, the present study investigated whether LXR activation might modulate chemokine-induced migration of these cells. Stimulation of CD4-positive lymphocytes with SDF-1 leads to a 2.5 ± 0.8-fold increase in cell migration ( P < 0.05; n = 12). Pretreatment of cells with the LXR activator T0901317 reduces this effect in a concentration-dependent manner to a maximal 0.9 ± 0.4-fold induction at 1 μmol/L T0901317 ( P < 0.05 compared to SDF-1-treated cells; n = 12). Similar results were obtained with the LXR activator GW3965. The effect of LXR activators on CD4-positive lymphocyte migration was mediated through an early inhibition of chemokine-induced PI-3 kinase activity as determined by PI-3 kinase activity assays. Downstream, T0901317 inhibited activation of the small GTPase Rac and phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC). Moreover, LXR activator treatment reduced f-actin formation as well as ICAM3 translocation to the uropod of the cell, thus interfering with two important steps in T cell migration. Transfection of CD4-positive lymphocytes with LXRα/β siRNA abolished T0901317 inhibitory effect on MLC phosphorylation and ICAM3 translocation. LXR activation by T0901317 or GW3965 inhibits chemokine-induced migration of CD4-positive lymphocytes. Given the crucial importance of chemokine-induced T cell migration in early atherogenesis, LXR activators may be promising tools to modulate this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although apolipoprotein E (apoE) is the most common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), how apoE participates in AD pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. ApoE is also the major carrier of lipids in the brain. Here, we review studies showing that the lipidation status of apoE influences the metabolism of Aβ peptides, which accumulate as amyloid deposits in the neural parenchyma and cerebrovasculature. One effect of apoE is to inhibit the transport of Aβ across the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), particularly when apoE is lipidated. A second effect is to facilitate the proteolytic degradation of Aβ by neprilysin and insulin degrading enzyme (IDE), which is enhanced when apoE is lipidated. We also describe how apoE becomes lipidated and how this impacts Aβ metabolism. Specifically, genetic loss of the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 impairs apoE lipidation and promotes amyloid deposition in AD mouse models. ABCA1 catalyses the ATP-dependent transport of cholesterol and phospholipids from the plasma membrane to lipid-free apolipoproteins including apoE. Conversely, selective overexpression of ABCA1 increases apoE lipidation in the central nervous system (CNS) and eliminates the formation of amyloid plaques in vivo. Deficiency of Liver-X-Receptors (LXRs), transcription factors that stimulate ABCA1 and apoE expression, exacerbates AD pathogenesis in vivo, whereas treatment of AD mice with synthetic LXR agonists reduces amyloid load and improves cognitive performance. These studies provide new insights into the mechanisms by which apoE affects Aβ metabolism, and offer opportunities to develop novel therapeutic approaches to reduce the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a major genetic disease in Caucasians affecting 1 in 2500 newborns. Hepatobiliary pathology is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in CF second only to pulmonary disease. SULT1E1 activity is significantly elevated, generally 20–30-fold, in hepatocytes of mouse models of CF. SULT1E1 is responsible for the inactivation of β-estradiol (E2) at physiological concentrations via conjugation with sulfonate. The increase in SULT1E1 activity results in the alteration of E2-regulated protein expression in CF mouse liver. To investigate the mechanism by which the absence of CFTR in human cholangiocytes induces SULT1E1 expression in hepatocytes, a membrane-separated human MMNK-1 cholangiocyte and human HepG2 hepatocyte co-culture system was developed. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is expressed in bile duct cholangiocytes but not hepatocytes, whereas SULT1E1 is expressed in hepatocytes but not cholangiocytes. CFTR expression in MMNK-1 cells was inhibited with siRNA by >90% as determined by immunoblot and immunohistochemical analysis. Control and CFTR-siRNA-MMNK-1 cells were co-cultured with HepG2 cells in a Transwell membrane-separated system. After 8h of co-culture, HepG2 cells were removed from exposure to MMNK-1 cells and placed in fresh medium. After 24–48h, expression of SULT1E1 and selected E2-regulated proteins was analyzed in the HepG2 cells. Results demonstrated that SULT1E1 message and activity were selectively induced in HepG2 cells co-cultured with CFTR-deficient MMNK-1 cells. The expression of E2-regulated proteins (IGF-1, GST-P1 and carbonic anhydrase II) was also altered in response to decreased E2 levels. Thus, the loss of CFTR activity in cholangiocytes stimulates the expression of SULT1E1 in hepatocytes by a paracrine mechanism. SULT1E1 expression in HepG2 cells is inducible by sterol mediated liver-X-receptor (LXR) activation although not by progestins that induce SULT1E1 in the endometrium. SULT1E1 induction in the human cholangiocyte/hepatocyte co-culture system is consistent with and supports the results observed in CF mice. The changes in hepatocyte gene expression affect liver biochemistry and may facilitate the development of CF liver disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ileal bile acid-binding protein (I-BABP) is a soluble bile acids (BA) carrier protein which belongs to the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) family. In the gut, its expression is strictly restricted to the ileum, where it is thought to be involved in the active BA reabsorption. Therefore, I-BABP gene expression levels might be rate limiting for the BA enterohepatic circulation, and hence, might be crucial for cholesterol (CS) homeostasis. Indeed, BA not reclaimed by intestinal absorption constitute the main way to eliminate a CS excess. However, such a function is not yet established. Because generally rate limiting genes are tightly controlled, we have undertaken the study of the I-BABP gene regulation. It was found that both BA and CS, probably via oxysterols, are able to up-regulate the trancription rate of I-BABP gene. The fact that intracellular sterol sensors (FXR, LXR and SREBP1c) are involved in the control of I-BABP gene expression strongly suggest a crucial role for I-BABP in the ileum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]