Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
10:12
Enrichment of Mammalian Tissues and Xenopus Oocytes with Cholesterol
Published on: March 25, 2020
6.5K
7-Ketocholesterol in disease and aging.
Redox Biology
|January 14, 2020
Summary
7-Ketocholesterol (7KC) is a toxic oxysterol linked to aging diseases and orphan diseases. Its role in cell damage and potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target are explored.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Toxicology
Background:
- 7-Ketocholesterol (7KC) is a toxic oxysterol formed from cholesterol oxidation.
- It is prevalent in aging and disease tissues, notably arterial plaques.
- Unlike cholesterol, 7KC exhibits cytotoxicity and its physiological role is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore mechanisms of 7KC-associated pathologies.
- To investigate the diffusion of 7KC across membranes and its effects.
- To speculate on 7KC's future as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on 7KC.
- Analysis of 7KC's chemical properties and biological interactions.
- Exploration of proposed pathological pathways involving 7KC.
Main Results:
- 7KC is a common, toxic oxysterol found in various disease states.
- 7KC can diffuse through cell membranes, impacting cellular functions.
- Its precise physiological role remains undetermined.
Conclusions:
- 7KC is implicated in numerous diseases, particularly those associated with aging.
- Understanding 7KC's mechanisms is crucial for medical advancements.
- 7KC presents potential as a future diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
1.2K
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...
Considering cholesterol and...
1.2K
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
3.1K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
3.1K
01:37Mitochondria
19.3K
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
19.3K
01:29Bone Disorders
5.0K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
5.0K
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
7.4K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
7.4K
01:26Aging
530
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
530