CHOLESTEROL INDUCED GENE EXPRESSION CHANGES IN THE BRAIN AND CEREBRAL VESSELS

LOKE SAU YEEN

Publication

CHOLESTEROL INDUCED GENE EXPRESSION CHANGES IN THE BRAIN AND CEREBRAL VESSELS

LOKE SAU YEEN

Abstract

Aberrant levels of cholesterol are associated with stroke and Alzheimer?s disease, but little is known regarding the effects of cholesterol on gene expression. The present study was therefore carried out using microarray-based approaches to elucidate the effects of cholesterol on gene expression changes in the brain and cerebral vessels, which may contribute to these disorders. Present findings showed that cholesterol exerted different acute and chronic effects on gene expression in both regions. Acute intracortical administration of oxysterols at low concentration was more potent in inducing gene expression alterations than cholesterol. In contrast, consumption of a high-cholesterol diet for an extended period chronically induced massive gene expression changes in the brain and middle cerebral artery, possibly through SREBP signaling, and may affect similar pathways in these tissues. Thus, this may shed light on the link between cholesterol and neurological disorders, opening new research avenue for the elucidation of potential pathological mechanisms.