SNPs in cytochromes P450 catalyzing cholesterol degradation in brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Besides being an essential structural component of plasma membranes and the precursor of many functional compounds and signaling molecules, cholesterol was also proposed to play a role in the etiology and/or manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, so far systematic investigations on the role of cholesterol and its metabolites present in the brain for the etiology of PD are missing. Here, we investigate for the first time the association of PD with SNPs in the genes of four cytochromes P450 (P450), CYP46A1, CYP39A1, CYP27A1 and CYP7B1, which are critical for the degradation of cholesterol in the brain. Analyzing 1,349 individuals from the PPMI data base, we found 24 SNPs in these four genes, which are significantly over- or under-represented in patients suffering from idiopathic PD (IPD). Studying each of the 362 IPD patients individually, we found that most patients (45%) showed only one associated SNP in one of the four P450 genes, while 31% displayed two associated SNPs and 18% three associated SNPs. The occurrence of some associated SNPs is in the same order of magnitude as SNPs in the GBA (beta-glucocerebrosidase) and thus might reflect a genetic predisposition for PD. As all 24 SNPs were located in introns and 3' untranslated regions, we evaluated the prospective regulatory impact of the surrounding genomic regions by using transcriptome and epigenome data from the Foundational Data Initiative for Parkinson Disease (FOUNDIN-PD). FOUNDIN-PD provides gene expression, open chromatin and DNA methylation data in a cohort of 89 induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines differentiated to dopaminergic (DA) neurons derived from people in the PPMI study. Indeed, two of the 24 SNPs, one in CYP7B1 (rs118111353) and the other one in CYP27A1 (rs74446825), were localized within a region of open chromatin in differentiated neurons. Interestingly, all iPSC lines with open chromatin in rs118111353 showed the reference allele. As all four P450, CYP46A1, CYP39A1, CYP27A1 and CYP7B1, are expressed in dopaminergic neurons, we discuss further functional studies to connect SNPs in regulatory regions with gene expression levels. Finally, potential possibilities for personalized therapeutic treatment of patients with SNPs in the four investigated P450 are discussed.

Clinicogenetic characterization of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis in Brazil.

There are few cerebrotendineous xanthomatosis (CTX) case series and observational studies including a significant number of Latin American patients. We describe a multicenter Brazilian cohort of patients with CTX highlighting their clinical phenotype, recurrent variants and assessing possible genotype-phenotype correlations. We analyzed data from all patients with clinical and molecular or biochemical diagnosis of CTX regularly followed at six genetics reference centers in Brazil between March 2020 and August 2023. We evaluated 38 CTX patients from 26 families, originating from 4 different geographical regions in Brazil. Genetic analysis identified 13 variants in the CYP27A1 gene within our population, including 3 variants that had not been previously described. The most frequent initial symptom of CTX in Brazil was cataract (27%), followed by xanthomas (24%), chronic diarrhea (13.5%), and developmental delay (13.5%). We observed that the median age at loss of ambulation correlates with the age of onset of neurological symptoms, with an average interval of 10 years (interquartile range 6.9 to 11 years). This study represents the largest CTX case series ever reported in South America. We describe phenotypic characteristics and report three new pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants.

A double CYP27A1 gene mutation in spinal cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis in a patient presenting with spastic gait: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX, OMIM #213700) is a rare inherited metabolic disease caused by the mutation in the CYP27A1 gene. Spinal CTX is a rare clinical subgroup of CTX which lacks typical symptoms seen in classical CTX. Here we report a spinal CTX case revealed double mutation of CYP27A1 gene. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old Asian man visited our hospital with spastic gait started at 35. Physical examination showed bilateral masses on his Achilles tendons and were identified as xanthoma on ankle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain and spinal cord MRI revealed high signal lesions in bilateral cerebellar dentate nuclei and long tract lesions involving lateral corticospinal and gracile tracts. Gene analysis revealed double heterozygous mutation, c.223C > T (p. Gln75Ter) and c.1214G > A (p. Arg405Gln). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that novel mutation detected in our case might have a role in the pathomechanism in CTX. Moreover, spinal CTX should be considered in the patients only presenting with pyramidal symptoms, as CTX shows good prognosis in early treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid.

Case report: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis treatment follow-up.

Xanthomatosis is a genetic disease inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The specific phenotypic features are associated with patient's genetic profile. The result of the mutation is disorder of cholesterol synthesis and the accumulation of its precursors in tissues. The characteristic symptoms are progressive cerebellar ataxia, cataract, diarrhea, and the deposition of cholesterol in the tendons. Our objective is to follow-up information to treatment efficacy of 22-year-old patient diagnosed with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis through 1.5 year observation. In 2012, an 11-year-old patient with a long history of deformed feet and frequent yellowing of the skin, was admitted to the Department of Neurology due to seizures. In 2013, the patient began to suffer from diarrhea, and its frequency was correlated with the concentration of bilirubin in the blood. In the same year cataract was diagnosed. Gradually, the patient starts to complain about progressive difficulties in moving. In 2019, genetic tests confirmed the diagnosis of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. Since July 2021, the patient has been treated with chenodeoxycholic acid. The deterioration of patient's mobility has been significantly inhibited, consequently his quality of life has improved. The presented case report underscores the efficacy of CDCA supplementation in halting the progression of CTX, resulting in marked improvements in the patient's quality of life.

Rare genetic cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) cases without cholestanol elevation but with prominent cholesterol-rich tendon xanthomas.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare inherited metabolic disease attributed to the mutation of the gene CYP27A1, resulting in sterol 27-hydroxylase deficiency characterized by deposition of cholestanol and cholesterol in several tissues, like the central nervous system and tendons. Furthermore, cataracts, gallstones, diarrhea and premature atherosclerosis have been reported. Nonetheless, clinical development is extremely heterogeneous in CTX. We report here two cases of CTX genetic alteration in the absence of cholestanol elevation in plasma and tendons but with prominent xanthomas. We propose that CTX may not be characteized by increased plasma cholestanol concentration due to alteration in the sterol 27-hydroxylase gene, but is a more complex pathology where there is significant genetic heterogeneity caused by various CYP27A1 mutations.

Electro-scalp acupuncture regulates the expression of CYP27a1/b1, CYP24a and related inflammatory cytokines in ischemic cortex of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion. / ç”µå¤´é’ˆè°ƒæŽ§å¤§è„‘ä¸­åŠ¨è„‰æ “å¡žå¤§é¼ ç¼ºè¡€å¤§è„‘çš®å±‚åŒºCYP27a1/b1、CYP24aåŠç›¸å ³ç‚Žæ€§ç»†èƒžå› å­è¡¨è¾¾çš„ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of electro-scalp acupuncture (ESA) on the expression of cytochrome P450a1/b1 (CYP27a1/b1), cytochrome P45024a (CYP24a), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)4, STAT6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-4 in ischemic cerebral cortex of rats with acute ischemic stroke, so as to explore its mechanism in alleviating inflammatory reaction of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation, model, vitamin D3 and ESA groups, with 15 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model was established with thread ligation according to Zea-Longa's method. Rats in the vitamin D3 group were given 1, 25-VitD3 solution (3 ng·100 g-1·d-1) by gavage, once daily for 7 days. Rats in the ESA group were treated at bilateral anterior parietotemporal slash (MS6) with ESA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA), 30 min a day for 7 days. Before and after interventions, the neurological deficit score and neurobehavioral score were evaluated. TTC staining was used to detect the volume of cerebral infarction in rats. The positive expressions of CYP24a, CYP27a1 and CYP27b1 in the cerebral cortex of ischemic area were detected by immunofluorescence. The mRNA expressions of STAT4 and STAT6 in the cerebral cortex of ischemic area were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-4 in the cerebral cortex of ischemic area were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the neurological deficit score, neurobehavioral score, the percentage of cerebral infarction volume, the positive expression level of CYP24a and mRNA expression level of STAT4, protein expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in cerebral cortex were increased (P<0.01), while the positive expression levels of CYP27a1/b1 and STAT6 mRNA, protein expression level of IL-4 were decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. After the treatment and compared with the model group, the neurological deficit score, neurobehavioral score, the percentage of cerebral infarction volume, the positive expression level of CYP24a and mRNA expression level of STAT4, protein expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in cerebral cortex were decreased (P<0.01), while the positive expression levels of CYP27a1/b1 and STAT6 mRNA expression level, protein expression level of IL-4 were increased (P<0.01) in the ESA and vitamin D3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: ESA can alleviate the inflammatory response in ischemic stroke, which maybe related to its function in regulating the balance between CYP27a1/b1 and CYP24a, converting vitamin D into active vitamin D3, inhibiting vitamin D3 degradation, and regulating Th1/Th2 balance.

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 regulates CYP27A1-induced myometrial contraction during preterm labor.

Persistent and intense uterine contraction is a risk factor for preterm labor. We previously found that methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), as a target of infection-related microRNA miR-212-3p, may play an inhibitory role in regulating myometrium contraction. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MeCP2 regulates myometrial contraction are still unknown. In this study, we found that MeCP2 protein expression was lower in myometrial specimens obtained from preterm labor cases, compared to those obtained from term labor cases. Herein, using RNA sequence analysis of global gene expression in human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMCs) following siMeCP2, we show that MeCP2 silencing caused dysregulation of the cholesterol metabolism pathway. Notably, MeCP2 silencing resulted in the upregulation of CYP27A1, the key enzyme involved in regulating cholesterol homeostasis, in HUSMCs. Methylation-specific PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase reporter gene technology indicated that MeCP2 could bind to the methylated CYP27A1 promoter region and repress its transcription. Administration of siCYP27A1 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preterm labor mouse model delayed the onset of preterm labor. Human preterm myometrium and the LPS-induced preterm labor mouse model both showed lower expression of MeCP2 and increased expression of CYP27A1. These results demonstrated that aberrant upregulation of CYP27A1 induced by MeCP2 silencing is one of the mechanisms facilitating inappropriate myometrial contraction. CYP27A1 could be exploited as a novel therapeutic target for preterm birth.

Clinical, biochemical, and molecular insights into Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: A nationwide study of 100 Turkish individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by progressive neurologic and extraneurologic findings. The aim of this retrospective, descriptive study was to explore the time of presentation and diagnosis, and to expand the phenotype and genotype of CTX, based on a nationwide and comprehensive series of patients in Turkey. METHODS: The demographic, clinical, biochemical and genotypic characteristics of the CTX patients were reviewed. Data on molecular analysis, age of onset and diagnosis, diagnostic delay, neurologic and extraneurologic symptomatology, results of plasma cholestanol levels, brain magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography at the time of diagnosis were reviewed. RESULTS: 100 confirmed CTX patients from 72 families were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 28.16 ± 14.28 years, and diagnostic delay was 18.39 ± 13.71 years. 36 patients were diagnosed in childhood. Frequency of intention tremor (p = 0.069), peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.234) and psychiatric manifestations (p = 0.396) did not differ between two groups, demonstrating the high rate in pediatric patients. Three adult patients showed a milder phenotype without neurologic involvement. Seven patients had normal plasma cholestanol levels despite neurological impairment. Sequencing of the CYP27A1 gene revealed 25 different variants, with a novel c.671_672del variant not previously described in literature. CONCLUSION: Based on the observations of this Turkish CTX cohort, it is emphasized that the true prevalence of CTX is probably underestimated and that it has a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes even without neurological impairment. In children, abnormal cerebellar findings, peripheral neuropathy and psychiatric findings associated with intellectual disability have been suggested as warning signs to avoid diagnostic delay. In cases of clinical suspicion, molecular analysis is recommended despite normal plasma cholestanol levels, as severe neurologic involvement may occur in CTX patients without elevated cholestanol levels.

Genetically and clinically confirmed atypical cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis with normal cholestanol and marked elevations of bile acid precursors and bile alcohols.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive lipid disorder. Affected patients often remain undiagnosed until the age of 20-30 years, when they have already developed significant neurologic disease that may not be reversible. An elevated plasma cholestanol concentration has been accepted as a diagnostic criterion for CTX for decades. OBJECTIVE: Full biochemical characterization was performed for three genetically and clinically confirmed atypical CTX cases with normal plasma cholestanol levels. METHODS: Clinical assessment and genetic/biochemical testing for patients with CTX was performed by their physician providing routine standard of care. RESULTS: We report three new atypical CTX cases with large extensor tendon xanthomas but normal plasma cholestanol levels. All three cases had marked elevations of bile acid precursors and bile alcohols in plasma and urine that decreased on treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid. We also review eight published cases of atypical CTX with normal/near normal circulating cholestanol levels. CONCLUSION: The atypical biochemical presentation of these cases provides a diagnostic challenge for CTX, a disorder for which cholestanol has been believed to be a sensitive biomarker. These cases demonstrate measurements of plasma cholestanol alone are insufficient to exclude a diagnosis of CTX. The data presented is consistent with the concept that bile acid precursors and bile alcohols are sensitive biomarkers for atypical CTX with normal cholestanol, and that such testing is indicated, along with CYP27A1 gene analyses, in patients presenting with significant tendon and/or tuberous xanthomas and/or neurologic disease in early adulthood despite normal or near normal cholesterol and cholestanol levels.

Clinical and Imaging Profile of Patients with Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis - a Video Case Series from India.

Background: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by bi-allelic pathogenic variants in CYP27A1 gene that results in the deposition of cholestanol in the eyes, tendons, soft tissues and nervous system leading to cataracts, xanthomas, and various neuropsychiatric manifestations. The aim of our study is to describe the clinical, radiological and genetic profile of patients with CTX. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of patients with CTX diagnosed based on classical clinical and radiological findings. The available clinical details, and investigations, including imaging, electrophysiological, pathological and genetic data, were documented. Results: Five patients (4 males) were recruited in the study. The median age at presentation was 32 years (range: 21-66 years). Walking difficulty was the most common symptom at presentation. All patients had cataracts, tendon xanthomas, eye movement abnormalities, dysarthria, pyramidal signs, ataxia and gait abnormality. Dystonia was noted in three patients. Palatal tremor and parkinsonism were noted in one patient each. In MRI brain, dentate, and corticospinal tract involvement were the most frequent imaging findings. Bilateral hypertrophic olivary degeneration was noted in one patient and hot cross bun sign in two. Three patients underwent genetic testing and all had pathogenic variants confirming the diagnosis. Discussion: CTX is a rare treatable disorder. Apart from the usual neurological presentation with spastic-ataxia, it can present at a later age with parkinsonism. Typical patterns of imaging findings are helpful in early diagnosis which aids in the treatment to prevent the neurological sequelae of the disease.

Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) treatment during pregnancy in women with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX): Lessons learned from 19 pregnancies.

PURPOSE: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare, autosomal recessive bile acid synthesis disorder. Biallelic pathogenic variants in CYP27A1, encoding for sterol 27-hydroxylase, impair cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) synthesis and lead to accumulation of cholestanol and C27 bile alcohols. Treatment with CDCA decreases the accumulation of these harmful metabolites and slows disease progression. Currently, CDCA is contraindicated for use during pregnancy based on animal studies that showed that high-dose CDCA may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant animals. Data regarding the safety of CDCA treatment in humans are lacking. METHODS: We present a case series of 19 pregnancies in 9 women with CTX who either received CDCA treatment throughout pregnancy or did not. RESULTS: In 11 pregnancies where mothers continued CDCA treatment, no complications were reported, and newborns were born at or near full term, with normal birth weight and Apgar scores. In 8 pregnancies where mothers did not receive CDCA, 2 newborns experienced elevated bilirubin soon after birth. One woman who stopped treatment during her pregnancy deteriorated neurologically while off treatment. CONCLUSION: The data we present support the benefit of continued CDCA treatment in pregnant women with CTX for both the affected women and their offspring.

The 20-Year Diagnostic Odyssey of a Milder Form of Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis.

Tendinous xanthomas are usually a sign of genetic dyslipidemias and are said to be pathognomonic for familial hypercholesterolemia. However, the differential diagnosis must also include rarer forms of genetic dyslipidemias such as cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). In this report, we present the diagnostic odyssey of a French-Canadian patient presenting with Achilles tendon xanthomas and an unusual mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. Comprehensive biochemical and genetic investigations confirmed the diagnosis of CTX, 20 years after the onset of her first symptoms. We also describe a new variant in the CYP27A1 gene associated with this atypical case and expand the clinical phenotype of this rare genetic condition. CTX is thought to be underdiagnosed, and early diagnosis and treatment of this disease is essential as it has been shown to greatly improve the patient's symptoms and prognosis.

Quantitative Determination of Cholesterol Hydroxylase Specificities by GC-MS/MS in Living Mammalian Cells.

Cholesterol is oxygenated by a variety of cholesterol hydroxylases; oxysterols play diverse important roles in physiological and pathophysiological conditions by regulating several transcription factors and cell-surface receptors. Each oxysterol has distinct and overlapping functions. The expression of cholesterol hydroxylases is highly regulated, but their physiological and pathophysiological roles are not fully understood. Although the activity of cholesterol hydroxylases has been characterized biochemically using radiolabeled cholesterol as the substrate, their specificities remain to be comprehensively determined quantitatively. To better understand their roles, a highly sensitive method to measure the amount of various oxysterols synthesized by cholesterol hydroxylases in living mammalian cells is required. Our method described here, with gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), can quantitatively determine a series of oxysterols endogenously synthesized by forced expression of one of the four major cholesterol hydroxylases-CH25H, CYP7A1, CYP27A1, and CYP46A1-or induction of CH25H expression by a physiological stimulus. This protocol can also simultaneously measure the amount of intermediate sterols, which serve as markers for cellular cholesterol synthesis activity. Key features • Allows measuring the amount of a variety of oxysterols synthesized endogenously by cholesterol hydroxylases using GC-MS/MS. • Comprehensive and quantitative analysis of cholesterol hydroxylase specificities in living mammalian cells. • Simultaneous quantification of intermediate sterols to assess cholesterol synthesis activity.

CYP27A1-27-hydroxycholesterol axis in the respiratory system contributes to house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation.

BACKGROUND: 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-HC) derived from sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) has pro-inflammatory biological activity and is associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in COPD. However, the role of regulation of CYP27A1- 27-HC axis in asthma is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the contribution of the axis to the pathophysiology of asthma. METHODS: House dust mite (HDM) extract was intranasally administered to C57BL/6 mice and the expression of CYP27A1 in the airways was analyzed by immunostaining. The effect of pre-treatment with PBS or CYP27A1 inhibitors on the cell fraction in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed in the murine model. In vitro, BEAS-2B cells were treated with HDM and the levels of CYP27A1 expression were examined. Furthermore, the effect of 27-HC on the expressions of E-cadherin and ZO-1 in the cells was analyzed. The amounts of RANTES and eotaxin from the 27-HC-treated cells were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: The administration of HDM increased the expression of CYP27A1 in the airways of mice as well as the number of eosinophils in the BALF. CYP27A1 inhibitors ameliorated the HDM-induced increase in the number of eosinophils in the BALF. Treatment with HDM increased the expression of CYP27A1 in BEAS-2B cells. The administration of 27-HC to BEAS-2B cells suppressed the expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1, and augmented the production of RANTES and eotaxin. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that aeroallergen could enhance the induction of CYP27A1, leading to allergic airway inflammation and disruption of the airway epithelial tight junction through 27-HC production.

Living with Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: Patient, Caregiver, and Expert Perspectives.

In this article, patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) and caregivers detail their experience with lifelong symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and efficacy, and ongoing disease management. One patient and four caregivers describe the challenges associated with pursuing a correct diagnosis for years before testing confirmed a CTX diagnosis. They also detail their ongoing struggles and desire for greater access to physicians with CTX knowledge and to reliable online resources to continue their education about the disease and strategies for symptom management. The expert perspective is a direct response by three CTX researchers, including physicians who are treating patients with CTX in the United States and experts whose laboratories provide genetic and biochemical testing for CTX. They respond to many of the patient and caregiver concerns, including steps that are being taken to identify CTX earlier and provide access to confirmatory diagnostic testing sooner, and suggest the best online resources for CTX-related information and access to webinars and support groups. While the expert perspective is a direct response to the patient and caregiver authors' CTX journeys, it should be beneficial to any patient with CTX or their caregivers.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis presenting with schizophrenia-like disorder: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive lipid-storage disorder caused by mutations in CYP27A1. Psychiatric manifestations in CTX are rare and nonspecific, and they often lead to considerable diagnostic and treatment delay. CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old female patient admitted to the psychiatric ward for presentation of delusions, hallucinations, and behavioral disturbance is reported. The patient presented with cholestasis, cataract, Achilles tendon xanthoma, and cerebellar signs in adulthood and with intellectual disability and learning difficulties in childhood. After the characteristic CTX findings on imaging were obtained, a pathological examination of the Achilles tendon xanthoma was refined. Re-placement therapy was then initiated after the diagnosis was clarified by genetic analysis. During hospitalization in the psychiatric ward, the nonspecific psychiatric manifestations of the patient posed difficulty in diagnosis. After the patient's history of CTX was identified, the patient was diagnosed with organic schizophrenia-like disorder, and psychotic symptoms were controlled by replacement therapy combined with antipsychotic medication. CONCLUSION: Psychiatrists should be aware of CTX, its psychiatric manifestations, and clinical features and avoid misdiagnosis of CTX for timely intervention.

27-Hydroxylation of oncosterone by CYP27A1 switches its activity from pro-tumor to anti-tumor.

Oncosterone (6-oxo-cholestane-3ß,5α-diol; OCDO) is an oncometabolite and a tumor promoter on estrogen receptor alpha-positive breast cancer (ER(+) BC) and triple-negative breast cancers (TN BC). OCDO is an oxysterol formed in three steps from cholesterol: 1) oxygen addition at the double bond to give α- or ß- isomers of 5,6-epoxycholestanols (5,6-EC), 2) hydrolyses of the epoxide ring of 5,6-ECs to give cholestane-3ß,5α,6ß-triol (CT), and 3) oxidation of the C6 hydroxyl of CT to give OCDO. On the other hand, cholesterol can be hydroxylated by CYP27A1 at the ultimate methyl carbon of its side chain to give 27-hydroxycholesterol ((25R)-Cholest-5-ene-3beta,26-diol, 27HC), which is a tumor promoter for ER(+) BC. It is currently unknown whether OCDO and its precursors can be hydroxylated at position C27 by CYP27A1, as is the impact of such modification on the proliferation of ER(+) and TN BC cells. We investigated, herein, whether 27H-5,6-ECs ((25R)-5,6-epoxycholestan-3ß,26-diol), 27H-CT ((25R)-cholestane-3ß,5α,6ß,26-tetrol) and 27H-OCDO ((25R)-cholestane-6-oxo-3ß,5α,26-triol) exist as metabolites and can be produced by cells expressing CYP27A1. We report, for the first time, that these compounds exist as metabolites in humans. We give pharmacological and genetic evidence that CYP27A1 is responsible for their production. Importantly, we found that 27-hydroxy-OCDO (27H-OCDO) inhibits BC cell proliferation and blocks OCDO and 27-HC-induced proliferation in BC cells, showing that this metabolic conversion commutes the proliferative properties of OCDO into antiproliferative ones. These data suggest an unprecedented role of CYP27A1 in the control of breast carcinogenesis by inhibiting the tumor promoter activities of oncosterone and 27-HC.

A case of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis with massive xanthomas but without a considerable increase in serum cholestanol levels.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the sterol 27-hydroxylase gene (CYP27A1). Due to the deficiency of 27-hydroxylase, the synthesis of bile acids from cholesterol is impaired and excessive cholestanol accumulates in various tissues, such as the central nervous system, tendons, and lenses. Patients with CTX typically manifest intellectual decline, pyramidal tract symptoms, cerebellar symptoms, tendon xanthomas, juvenile cataracts, neonatal jaundice, chronic diarrhea, osteoporosis, and premature cardiovascular disease. Here, we report the atypical case of a 35-year-old female with CTX having massive xanthomas but without a considerable increase in serum cholestanol levels (3.9 µg/mL). In the differential diagnosis of xanthoma, CTX should not be ruled out even if the serum levels of cholestanol are not high, and genetic testing is necessary to make the appropriate diagnosis.

27-Hydroxycholesterol Drives the Spread of α-Synuclein Pathology in Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) are characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD). Epidemiological evidence indicates that hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of PD. The levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC), a cholesterol oxidation derivative, are increased in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with PD. However, whether 27-OHC plays a role in α-Syn aggregation and propagation remains elusive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether 27-OHC regulates α-Syn aggregation and propagation. METHODS: Purified recombinant α-Syn, neuronal cultures, and α-Syn fibril-injected mouse model of PD were treated with 27-OHC. In addition, CYP27A1 knockout mice were used to investigate the effect of lowering 27-OHC on α-Syn pathology in vivo. RESULTS: 27-OHC accelerates the aggregation of α-Syn and enhances the seeding activity of α-Syn fibrils. Furthermore, the 27-OHC-modified α-Syn fibrils localize to the mitochondria and induce mitochondrial dysfunction and neurotoxicity. Injection of 27-OHC-modified α-Syn fibrils induces enhanced spread of α-Syn pathology and dopaminergic neurodegeneration compared with pure α-Syn fibrils. Similarly, subcutaneous administration of 27-OHC facilitates the seeding of α-Syn pathology. Genetic deletion of cytochrome P450 27A1 (CYP27A1), the enzyme that converts cholesterol to 27-OHC, ameliorates the spread of pathologic α-Syn, degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, and motor impairments. These results indicate that the cholesterol metabolite 27-OHC plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. CONCLUSIONS: 27-OHC promotes the aggregation and spread of α-Syn. Strategies aimed at inhibiting the CYP27A1-27-OHC axis may hold promise as a disease-modifying therapy to halt the progression of α-Syn pathology in PD. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Identification and in vivo detection of side-chain hydroxylated metabolites of 4ß-hydroxycholesterol.

Oxysterols are oxidized derivatives of cholesterol that are formed by enzymatic processes or through the action of reactive oxygen species. Several of these bioactive lipids have been shown to be affected and/or play a role in inflammatory processes. 4ß-hydroxycholesterol is one of the major oxysterols in mice and humans and its levels are affected by inflammatory diseases. However, apart from its long half-life, little is known about its catabolism. By incubating 4ß-hydroxycholesterol with mouse mitochondria-enriched liver fractions, as well as 25-hydroxycholesterol and 27-hydroxycholesterol with recombinant CYP3A4, we identified 4ß,25-dihydroxycholesterol and 4ß,27-dihydroxycholesterol as 4ß-hydroxycholesterol metabolites. Supporting the biological relevance of this metabolism, we detected both metabolites after incubation of J774, primary mouse peritoneal macrophages and PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells with 4ß-hydroxycholesterol. Across our experiments, the incubation of cells with lipopolysaccharides differentially affected the levels of the 25- and 27-hydroxylated metabolites of 4ß-hydroxycholesterol. Finally, 4ß,27-dihydroxycholesterol was also detected in mice liver and plasma after intraperitoneal administration of 4ß-hydroxycholesterol. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the in vitro and in vivo detection and quantification of 4ß-hydroxycholesterol metabolites.