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.
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.
Marcuzzi
Annalisa
A
Paediatric Division, Institute of Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy. marcuzzi@burlo.trieste.it
Decorti
Giuliana
G
Pontillo
Alessandra
A
Ventura
Alessandro
A
Tommasini
Alberto
A
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*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D013729:Terpenes; D002784:Cholesterol