Oxysterol

An oxysterol is a derivative of cholesterol obtained by oxidation involving enzymes and / or pro-oxidants. Such compounds play important roles in various biological processes such as cholesterol homeostasis, lipid metabolism (sphingolipids, fatty acids), apoptosis, autophagy, and prenylation of proteins; the mode of action of oxysterols in these effects is still poorly understood. Several oxysterols are associated with age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, eye disease (cataract, age-related macular degeneration), certain neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Identifying therapies to regulate the body's production of oxysterols and their biological activities is of therapeutic interest.

A wider definition could encompass oxidized phytosterols, which are also sterols. The term "oxyphytosterols" may be used for distinction.

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