Oxysterols are potential physiological regulators of ageing

Area of Science:

• Biogerontology
• Molecular Biology
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Aging is a complex process linked to cellular dysfunction, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered proteostasis.
• Cholesterol homeostasis, particularly oxysterol metabolism, is increasingly recognized for its role in aging pathways.
• Oxysterols, once viewed solely as harmful, are now understood as key regulators of biological processes relevant to aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the established relationships between cholesterol homeostasis, oxysterols, and the aging process.
• To elucidate the multifaceted roles of oxysterols in modulating key aging hallmarks.
• To highlight the potential of the oxysterome as a therapeutic target for anti-aging strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on oxysterols and aging.
• Analysis of studies investigating oxysterol effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell survival.
• Examination of evidence linking oxysterols to stem cell differentiation, epigenetics, senescence, and proteostasis.

Main Results:

• Oxysterols exhibit concentration- and structure-dependent effects, acting as both detrimental and beneficial agents in aging.
• These cholesterol metabolites influence critical aging processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular survival.
• Oxysterols modulate stem cell differentiation, epigenetic modifications, cellular senescence, and proteostasis, underscoring their broad impact.

Conclusions:

• The overall oxysterol profile, or "oxysterome," significantly influences the aging process.
• Oxysterols represent a promising and novel target for developing future anti-aging interventions.
• Further research into the oxysterome is crucial for unlocking its full therapeutic potential in combating age-related diseases.