Elaboration of lanosterol under enzyme catalysis leads to the core structure of steroids. 14-
Demethylation of lanosterol by
CYP51 eventually yields
cholesterol.[2]
Lanosterol has been identified as a key component in maintaining eye lens clarity.[3] Pre-clinical research has identified Lanosterol as a possible agent for the reversal and prevention of cataracts.[4] In vivo experiments on dogs showed significant reversal of cataracts within 6 weeks of lanosterol injection.[5] In 2018, Lanosterol was shown to improve lens clarity in cells with lens clouding due to aging or physical stressors.[6] A subsequent study in 2022 by Kehao Wang, Hoshino, Kentaro Uesugi, Naoto Yagi, Pierscionek and Andley found positive results on the optics of the lens in mice with cataracts.[7]
Use
Lanosterol is an ingredient in over-the-counter ophthalmic products to prevent cataracts. However, the solubility and bioavailability of lanosterol is not conducive to aqueous formulations.[8] Heliostatix Biotechnology claims to have a method of solubilizing lanosterol for use in aqueous products.[9]
^Huff, M; Telford, D (July 2005). "Lord of the rings – the mechanism for oxidosqualene:lanosterol cyclase becomes crystal clear". Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. 26 (7): 335–340.
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PMID15951028.
Corey, E. J.; Russey, William E.; de Montellano, Paul R. Ortiz (October 1966). "2,3-Oxidosqualene, an Intermediate in the Biological Synthesis of Sterols from Squalene". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 88 (20): 4750–4751.
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10.1021/ja00972a056.
PMID5918046.
Abe, Ikuro.; Rohmer, Michel.; Prestwich, Glenn D. (1 September 1993). "Enzymatic cyclization of squalene and oxidosqualene to sterols and triterpenes". Chemical Reviews. 93 (6): 2189–2206.
doi:
10.1021/cr00022a009.
Eschenmoser, A.; Ruzicka, L.; Jeger, O.; Arigoni, D. (1955). "Zur Kenntnis der Triterpene. 190. Mitteilung. Eine stereochemische Interpretation der biogenetischen Isoprenregel bei den Triterpenen" [For knowledge of the triterpenes. Part 190. A stereochemical interpretation of the biogenetic isoprene rule in triterpenes]. Helvetica Chimica Acta (in German). 38 (7): 1890–1904.
doi:
10.1002/hlca.19550380728.