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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

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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-1β (IL-1β) secretion and serum cholesterol levels were measured.

Results

An increased production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β (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.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant from Institute of Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy (RC 13/2008).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

    Alessandro Ventura & Alberto Tommasini

  2. Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

    Giuliana Decorti

  3. Medical Genetic Service, Institute of Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy

    Alessandra Pontillo

  4. Paediatric Division, Institute of Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy

    Annalisa Marcuzzi, Alessandro Ventura & Alberto Tommasini

Authors
  1. Annalisa Marcuzzi
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  2. Giuliana Decorti
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  3. Alessandra Pontillo
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  4. Alessandro Ventura
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  5. Alberto Tommasini
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Annalisa Marcuzzi.

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Responsible Editor: L. Li.

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Marcuzzi, A., Decorti, G., Pontillo, A. et al. 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. Inflamm. Res. 59, 335–338 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-010-0168-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-010-0168-6

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