The Oxysterol Synthesising Enzyme CH25H Contributes to the Development of Intestinal Fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: Intestinal fibrosis and stenosis are common complications of Crohn's disease [CD], frequently requiring surgery. Anti-inflammatory strategies can only partially prevent fibrosis; hence, anti-fibrotic therapies remain an unmet clinical need. Oxysterols are oxidised cholesterol derivatives with important roles in various biological processes. The enzyme cholesterol 25-hydroxylase [CH25H] converts cholesterol to 25-hydroxycholesterol [25-HC], which modulates immune responses and oxidative stress. In human intestinal samples from CD patients, we found a strong correlation of CH25H mRNA expression with the expression of fibrosis markers. We demonstrate reduced intestinal fibrosis in mice deficient for the CH25H enzyme, using the sodium dextran sulphate [DSS]-induced chronic colitis model. Addit

SUBMITTER: Raselli T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6751338 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature