Oxysterols are cholesterol metabolites that can be produced through enzymatic or radical processes. They constitute a large family of lipids (i.e. the oxysterome) involved in a plethora of physiological processes. They can act through GPCR (e.g. EBI2, SMO, CXCR2), nuclear receptors (LXR, ROR, ERα) and through transporters or regulatory proteins. Their physiological effects encompass cholesterol, lipid and glucose homeostasis. Additionally, they were shown to be involved in other processes such as immune regulatory functions and brain homeostasis. First studied as precursors of bile acids, they quickly emerged as interesting lipid mediators. Their levels are greatly altered in several pathologies and some oxysterols (e.g. 4β-hydroxycholesterol or 7α-hydroxycholestenone) are used as biomarkers of specific pathologies. In this review, we discuss the complex metabolism and molecular targets (including binding properties) of these bioactive lipids in human and mice. We also discuss the genetic mouse models currently available to interrogate their effects in pathophysiological settings. We also summarize the levels of oxysterols reported in two key organs in oxysterol metabolism (liver and brain), plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Finally, we consider future opportunities and directions in the oxysterol field in order to gain a better insight and understanding of the complex oxysterol system.

氧固醇是可以通过酶促或自由基过程产生的胆固醇代谢产物。它们构成了涉及许多生理过程的脂质大家族（即，氧固位体）。它们可以通过GPCR（例如EBI2，SMO，CXCR2），核受体（LXR，ROR，ERα）以及转运蛋白或调节蛋白发挥作用。它们的生理作用包括胆固醇，脂质和葡萄糖的体内稳态。此外，它们还被证明参与其他过程，例如免疫调节功能和脑稳态。首先作为胆汁酸的前体进行研究，然后迅速成为有趣的脂质介体。它们的水平在几种病理中发生了很大的变化，一些氧固醇（例如4β-羟基胆固醇或7α-羟基胆固醇）被用作特定病理的生物标志物。在这篇评论中，我们讨论了这些生物活性脂质在人和小鼠中的复杂代谢和分子靶标（包括结合特性）。我们还将讨论当前可用于在病理生理环境中询问其作用的遗传小鼠模型。我们还总结了氧固醇代谢（肝脏和大脑），血浆和脑脊髓液的两个关键器官中所报告的氧固醇水平。最后，我们考虑了氧固醇领域的未来机会和方向，以便对复杂的氧固醇系统有更好的了解和理解。我们还总结了氧固醇代谢（肝脏和脑部），血浆和脑脊髓液的两个关键器官中所报告的氧固醇水平。最后，我们考虑了氧固醇领域的未来机会和方向，以便对复杂的氧固醇系统有更好的了解和理解。我们还总结了氧固醇代谢（肝脏和脑部），血浆和脑脊髓液的两个关键器官中所报告的氧固醇水平。最后，我们考虑了氧固醇领域的未来机会和方向，以便对复杂的氧固醇系统有更好的了解和理解。