A Biochemical Abnormality in Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis IMPAIRMENT OF BILE ACID BIOSYNTHESIS ASSOCIATED WITH INCOMPLETE DEGRADATION OF THE CHOLESTEROL SIDE CHAIN

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Abstract

Bile acid production in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is subnormal, yet the activity of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, the rate-determining enzyme of bile acid synthesis, is elevated. To explain this discrepancy, bile acid precursors were sought in bile and feces of three CTX subjects. Over 10% of the total sterols excreted in bile and feces consisted of compounds more polar than cholesterol. Chromatographic analysis of the polar fractions in conjunction with gasliquid chromatography (GLC)-mass spectrometry indicated two major constituents, 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,25-tetrol and 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,24ξ,25-pentol. After i.v. injection of [4-14C]cholesterol both bile alcohols were radioactive proving that they were derived from cholesterol. The accumulation of alcohols hydroxylated at C-25 and C-24,25 suggests that decreased bile acid synthesis in CTX results from impaired oxidation of the cholesterol side chain. This finding and the virtual absence of intermediates hydroxylated at C-26 indicate that current views of the major pathway of bile acid synthesis may require revision.

Authors

T. Setoguchi, Gerald Salen, G. S. Tint, E. H. Mosbach