5α-Cholestan-3β-ol (5α-Cholestanol; NSC 18188)

Description: 5alpha-Cholestan-3beta-ol (5alpha-Cholestanol; Cholestanol; Dihydrocholesterol; NSC 18188), a reduced form of cholesterol at the 5, 10-ene position, is derived from cholesterol by the action of intestinal microorganisms and can also be isolated from the testes of White Carneau pigeons. It is known to induce the formation of gall stones in rabbits in the presence of sodium ionsis. Cholestanol is a cholesterol metabolite formed by oxidation and an intermediate in the biosynthesis of chenodeoxycholic acid. Cholestanol (10 ug/ml) induces apoptosis in cornea and lens epithelial cells and increases the activity of IL-1beta converting enzyme (ICE) and CPP32 proteases. Dietary administration of 1% cholestanol to mice increases serum and liver cholestanol levels and leads to corneal opacities and gallstones and in rats it leads to cholestanol deposition in the cerebellum. Cholestanol levels are increased in plasma of patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), a disease characterized by a deficiency in the mitochondrial enzyme sterol 27-hydrolylase (CYP27A1) that leads to progressive neurological symptoms

References: J. Med. Food 6(3), 217-224 (2003).; Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 41(5), 991-997 (2000).