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Oxysterols in cancer management: From therapy to biomarkers
Alzbeta Kloudova-Spalenkova1,2,3, Petr Holy1,2,3, Pavel Soucek1,3
1Department of Toxicogenomics, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Oxysterols are oxidized derivatives of cholesterol, both endogenous and exogenous. They have been implicated in numerous pathologies, including cancer. In addition to their roles in carcinogenesis, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and multiple signalling pathways, they have been shown to modulate cancer therapy. They are known to affect therapy of hormonally positive breast cancer through modulating oestrogen receptor activity. Oxysterols have also been shown in various in vitro models to influence efficacy of chemotherapeutics, such as doxorubicin, vincristine, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and others. Their effects on the immune system should also be considered in immunotherapy. Selective anti-cancer cytotoxic properties of some oxysterols make them candidates for new therapeutic molecules. Finally, differences in oxysterol levels in blood of cancer patients in different stages or versus healthy controls, and in tumour versus non-tumour tissues, show potential of oxysterols as biomarkers for cancer management and patient stratification for optimization of therapy. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc.
Insights
Oxysterols, oxidized cholesterol, impact cancer development and therapy. Research shows their potential as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic agents, influencing treatment efficacy and patient stratification.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oxysterols are oxidized cholesterol derivatives with roles in various pathologies, notably cancer.
- They influence key cancer processes like carcinogenesis, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
- Oxysterols modulate cancer therapy, affecting hormone-positive breast cancer and chemotherapy efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of oxysterols in cancer.
- To explore their impact on cancer therapy, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- To highlight the potential of oxysterols as cancer biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on oxysterols in cancer.
- Analysis of oxysterol effects on cancer cell signaling pathways.
- Examination of oxysterol interactions with cancer treatments.
Main Results:
- Oxysterols influence cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
- They modulate the efficacy of various chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., doxorubicin, cisplatin).
- Oxysterols affect estrogen receptor activity in breast cancer therapy.
- Their impact on the immune system is relevant for immunotherapy.
- Differences in oxysterol levels serve as potential cancer biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Oxysterols play significant roles in cancer development and progression.
- They represent promising candidates for novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
- Oxysterols are valuable biomarkers for cancer management and personalized therapy.
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