Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring
08:45

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring

Published on: November 17, 2018

Modified HMG-CoA reductase and LDLr regulation is deeply involved in age-related hypercholesterolemia

Valentina Pallottini1, Chiara Martini, Gabriella Cavallini

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Rome "Roma Tre", Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy. vpallott@uniroma3.it

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|June 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Aging rats develop hypercholesterolemia due to altered regulation of cholesterol synthesis. Key proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism show changes, explaining elevated cholesterol levels in aged animals.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Gerontology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Aging is associated with hypercholesterolemia in rats.
  • The molecular mechanisms behind altered cholesterol metabolism during aging, particularly concerning 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR), are not well understood.
  • Data on HMG-CoAR transcription and degradation during aging are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular basis of age-related hypercholesterolemia in rats.
  • To measure mRNA levels of HMG-CoAR and key regulatory proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism.
  • To assess the levels of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) and related genes.

Main Methods:

  • Quantification of HMG-CoAR mRNA levels.
  • Measurement of regulatory proteins: SREBPs, SBP cleavage activating protein, insulin-induced gene (Insigs), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr), and Caveolin 1.
  • Analysis of age-related changes in these molecular components.

Main Results:

  • Age-related reduction in Insigs levels was observed.
  • Reduced insulin sensitivity correlated with decreased HMG-CoAR degradation rate.
  • Increased levels of active SREBP-2 were found, suggesting enhanced gene transcription.
  • Levels of SREBP-dependent proteins, LDLr and Caveolin 1, were also measured.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced Insigs levels and insulin sensitivity contribute to decreased HMG-CoAR degradation and increased active SREBP-2 in aging rats.
  • Active SREBP-2 plays a significant role in age-related gene transcription.
  • These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related hypercholesterolemia.

More Related Videos

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes10:56

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes

Published on: September 15, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism01:18

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism

Geriatric patients show significant variation in how their bodies process medications, which can change how effective and safe treatments are. The liver is the primary organ where drug metabolism occurs, involving two main types of chemical reactions: phase I and II. Phase I metabolism is driven by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which includes key types such as CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. Research indicates that while aging doesn't notably alter the levels or activity of these enzymes, it...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...