Abstract
Oxysterols are oxidized cholesterol derivatives that have pleiotropic effects. We will focus on the function of oxysterols in the body, because oxysterols are ligands of various receptors.
Thus, we will try to explain the role of oxysterols in selected human diseases. Oxysterols have several functions in the body: they are involved in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis, especially by binding to LXR or SREBPs triggering a cascade of events involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism.
By modulating estrogen receptors and Hedgehog signaling, they affect morphogenesis, reproduction, immune response, and inflammatory response. Furthermore, the relationship between oxysterols and individual tumour types, in particular breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancer, is discussed.
The involvement of oxysterols in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease is also described.