Lumisterol: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:41, 13 February 2025

A form of vitamin D found in the skin

Lumisterol is a steroid compound that is a derivative of vitamin D. It is formed in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically UVB radiation. Lumisterol is one of the several photoproducts of vitamin D synthesis, alongside previtamin D3 and tachysterol.

Formation and Structure[edit]

Lumisterol is formed when 7-dehydrocholesterol absorbs UVB radiation and undergoes a photochemical reaction. This reaction involves the opening of the B-ring of the steroid structure, leading to the formation of lumisterol. Unlike previtamin D3, lumisterol does not undergo further conversion to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) under normal physiological conditions.

Biological Role[edit]

Lumisterol itself does not have significant biological activity as a vitamin D metabolite. However, it serves as a reservoir of vitamin D precursors in the skin. Under certain conditions, lumisterol can be converted back to 7-dehydrocholesterol or other vitamin D metabolites, thus contributing to the regulation of vitamin D levels in the body.

Clinical Significance[edit]

While lumisterol is not directly involved in the calcium and phosphate homeostasis like active forms of vitamin D, its presence indicates the skin's exposure to UVB radiation and the potential for vitamin D synthesis. Understanding the balance between lumisterol, previtamin D3, and other photoproducts is important in assessing vitamin D status and the effects of UV exposure.

Related Compounds[edit]

Related Pages[edit]

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-== Lumisterol ==
+{{short description|A form of vitamin D found in the skin}}
+{{Vitamin D}}
-Lumisterol is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the group of secosteroids, which are derivatives of steroids. It is a precursor of vitamin D and is produced in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Lumisterol plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as well as supporting the immune system.
+'''Lumisterol''' is a [[steroid]] compound that is a [[derivative]] of [[vitamin D]]. It is formed in the skin from [[7-dehydrocholesterol]] upon exposure to [[ultraviolet]] (UV) light, specifically UVB radiation. Lumisterol is one of the several photoproducts of vitamin D synthesis, alongside [[previtamin D3]] and [[tachysterol]].
-=== Structure and Properties ===
+==Formation and Structure==
+[[File:Lumisterol.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Lumisterol]]
+Lumisterol is formed when 7-dehydrocholesterol absorbs UVB radiation and undergoes a [[photochemical reaction]]. This reaction involves the opening of the [[B-ring]] of the steroid structure, leading to the formation of lumisterol. Unlike previtamin D3, lumisterol does not undergo further conversion to [[cholecalciferol]] (vitamin D3) under normal physiological conditions.
-Lumisterol has a molecular formula of C<sub>28</sub>H<sub>44</sub>O and a molecular weight of 396.65 g/mol. It is a steroidal compound with a tetracyclic structure, consisting of four fused rings. The presence of a double bond in the B ring distinguishes lumisterol from other related compounds.
+==Biological Role==
+Lumisterol itself does not have significant [[biological activity]] as a vitamin D metabolite. However, it serves as a reservoir of vitamin D precursors in the skin. Under certain conditions, lumisterol can be converted back to 7-dehydrocholesterol or other vitamin D metabolites, thus contributing to the regulation of vitamin D levels in the body.
-=== Synthesis ===
+==Clinical Significance==
+While lumisterol is not directly involved in the [[calcium]] and [[phosphate]] homeostasis like active forms of vitamin D, its presence indicates the skin's exposure to UVB radiation and the potential for vitamin D synthesis. Understanding the balance between lumisterol, previtamin D3, and other photoproducts is important in assessing vitamin D status and the effects of UV exposure.
-Lumisterol is synthesized in the skin through a photochemical reaction involving 7-dehydrocholesterol, a precursor molecule. When exposed to UV radiation, 7-dehydrocholesterol undergoes a bond rearrangement, resulting in the formation of lumisterol. This process occurs in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin.
+==Related Compounds==
+* [[7-dehydrocholesterol]]
-=== Role in Vitamin D Synthesis ===
+* [[Previtamin D3]]
+* [[Tachysterol]]
-Lumisterol serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of vitamin D. After its formation in the skin, lumisterol is converted into previtamin D<sub>3</sub> through a thermal isomerization reaction. Previtamin D<sub>3</sub> then undergoes further transformations, including a thermal conversion to vitamin D<sub>3</sub>. Vitamin D<sub>3</sub> is the biologically active form of vitamin D and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes.
+* [[Cholecalciferol]]
-=== Biological Functions ===
-Vitamin D, derived from lumisterol, is essential for the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism. It promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestines, ensuring their availability for bone mineralization. Additionally, vitamin D helps maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood, preventing conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
+==See Also==
+* [[Vitamin D synthesis]]
-Furthermore, lumisterol and vitamin D have been associated with immune system regulation. They are believed to modulate the immune response, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancers. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects.
+* [[Ultraviolet radiation]]
+* [[Steroid metabolism]]
-=== References ===
-<references />
-== See Also ==
+==Related Pages==
 * [[Vitamin D]]
-* [[Secosteroids]]
+* [[Skin physiology]]
-* [[UV radiation]]
+* [[Photochemistry]]
-* [[7-dehydrocholesterol]]
+[[Category:Vitamin D]]
 [[Category:Steroids]]
-[[Category:Vitamin D]]
+[[Category:Photochemistry]]
-[[Category:Biochemistry]]
-[[Category:Skin physiology]]