@article {1673, title = {Decreased cholesterol levels reflect a consumption of anti-inflammatory isoprenoids associated with an impaired control of inflammation in a mouse model of mevalonate kinase deficiency.}, journal = {Inflamm Res}, volume = {59}, year = {2010}, month = {2010 May}, pages = {335-8}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a mouse model of mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), the possible link between inflammatory symptoms and serum cholesterol levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Balb/c mice were treated with alendronate and bacterial muramyl dipeptide. Body temperature, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) secretion and serum cholesterol levels were measured.

RESULTS: An increased production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta (p < 0.05) and a rise in body temperature (p < 0.05) was observed, while, in parallel, serum cholesterol concentration significantly decreased (p < 0.05). These effects were completely reversed when animals were treated with exogenous isoprenoids.

CONCLUSIONS: In the mouse model of MKD, the inflammatory response is associated with a reduction in cholesterol levels, and hence this parameter could be used as an indicator of isoprenoid consumption. In addition, plant derived isoprenoids could represent candidate treatments for this disease.

}, keywords = {Animals, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Cholesterol, Disease Models, Animal, Inflammation, Interleukin-1beta, Male, Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency, Mice, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Random Allocation, Terpenes}, issn = {1420-908X}, doi = {10.1007/s00011-010-0168-6}, author = {Marcuzzi, Annalisa and Decorti, Giuliana and Pontillo, Alessandra and Ventura, Alessandro and Tommasini, Alberto} }