Nuclear sulfated oxysterol, potent regulator of cholesterol homeostasis, for therapy of hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis

Abstract

The sulfated oxysterol 5-cholesten-3β, 25-diol 3-sulphate, a nuclear steroid metabolite that increases cholesterol secretion and degradation, is provided as an agent to lower intracellular and serum cholesterol and/or triglycerides. Methods which involve the use of this sulfated oxysterol to treat conditions associated with high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis) are also provided.

1 . Substantially purified 5-cholesten-3β, 25-diol 3-sulphate having the following formula:  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         2 . A cholesterol and/or triglyceride-lowering composition, said composition comprising 
 5-cholesten-3β, 25-diol 3-sulphate, and    a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.    
     
     
         3 . A method for lowering serum cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels in a patient in need thereof, said method comprising the step of 
 administering 5-cholesten-3β, 25-diol 3-sulphate to said patient in an amount sufficient to lower serum cholesterol levels in said patient.    
     
     
         4 . A method to treat or prevent a pathological condition associated with high serum cholesterol levels in a patient in need thereof, said method comprising the step of 
 administering 5-cholesten-3β, 25-diol 3-sulphate to said patient in an amount sufficient to lower serum cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels in said patient and prevent or treat said pathological condition.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said pathological condition is selected from the group consisting of hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis.  
     
     
         6 . A method of increasing cholesterol secretion or degradation in a cell, comprising the step of 
 increasing a level of 5-cholesten-3β, 25-diol 3-sulphate in said cell.