Cholesterol metabolites play significant roles in cancer biology, influencing processes such as cell proliferation, inflammation, and hormonal regulation.
Cholesterol metabolites can influence inflammatory processes, which are often associated with cancer progression. For instance, 27-hydroxycholesterol has been implicated in promoting inflammation in the tumor microenvironment, which can support tumor growth and metastasis.
certain cholesterol metabolites are often found at elevated levels or are dysregulated in various types of cancer.
1. Oxysterols
Oxysterols are oxidized derivatives of cholesterol that can have various biological effects, including promoting cell proliferation and inflammation.
Certain oxysterols, such as 27-hydroxycholesterol, have been found to be elevated in various cancers, including breast cancer. This metabolite can promote tumor growth and metastasis by activating specific signaling pathways (e.g., the estrogen receptor pathway) and influencing the immune response.
2. Steroid Hormones
Estrogens: In hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer, estrogen levels can be elevated due to increased conversion of cholesterol to estrogen. This can drive the growth of estrogen receptor-positive tumors.
Androgens: In prostate cancer, androgens derived from cholesterol can promote tumor growth. Elevated levels of androgens are often associated with advanced stages of prostate cancer.
Increased Synthesis: Cancer cells often exhibit increased cholesterol synthesis to support their rapid growth and proliferation.
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