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.
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.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Division, Institute of Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy. marcuzzi@burlo.trieste.it
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marcuzzi
authors.forename: Giuliana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Decorti
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pontillo
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ventura
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tommasini
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism*; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D054078:Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D011897:Random Allocation; D013729:Terpenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D013729:Terpenes; D002784:Cholesterol