Korean J Physiol Pharmacol.  2024 Mar;28(2):107-112. 10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.2.107.

The role of 27-hydroxycholesterol in meta-inflammation

• Son Y
• Choi E
• Hwang Y
• Kim K

• KMID: 2553522
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.2.107

Abstract

27-Hydroxycholesterol (27OHChol), a prominent cholesterol metabolite present in the bloodstream and peripheral tissues, is a kind of immune oxysterol that elicits immune response. Recent research indicates the involvement of 27OHChol in metabolic inflammation (meta-inflammation) characterized by chronic responses associated with metabolic irregularities. 27OHChol activates monocytic cells such that they secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and increase the expression of cell surface molecules such as pattern-recognition receptors that play key roles in immune cell-cell communication and sensing metabolism-associated danger signals. Levels of 27OHChol increase when cholesterol metabolism is disrupted, and the resulting inflammatory responses can contribute to the development and complications of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases. Since 27OHChol can induce chronic immune response by activating monocyte-macrophage lineage cells that play a crucial role in meta-inflammation, it is essential to understand the 27OHChol-induced inflammatory responses to unravel the roles and mechanisms of action of this cholesterol metabolite in chronic metabolic disorders.

Keyword

Atherosclerosis; Meta-inflammation; Monocytes/Macrophages; Obesity; 27-Hydroxycholesterol

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 The role of 27OHChol in metabolic syndrome. Dysfunction in cholesterol metabolism leads to increased accumulation of 27OHChol in tissues. The accumulated 27OHChol induces metabolic stress and low-grade inflammation by activating monocytic lineage cells. Unless 27OHChol is removed from affected tissues, the inflammatory response becomes chronic. The tissue-specific chronic inflammation induced by 27OHChol leads to metabolic syndrome. 27OHChol, 27-hydroxycholesterol.

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