Influence of 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol on glutathione status and nitric oxide production in macrophages: In vitro studies

Incubation of murine peritoneal macrophages with 7 beta -hydroxycholesterol (7 beta -OH) for 24 hr led to dose-dependent reduction in cellular glutath ione content as well as nitrite levels in the medium. Treatment with an ino rganic form of selenium, sodium selenite which is a potent antioxidant, ele vated the cellular glutathione levels and decreased nitrite levels. Our res ults suggest that 7 beta -OH may exert its pro-atherogenic effect by inhibi ting glutathione synthesis and nitric oxide production by macrophages prese nt in the arterial wall and thus, impair the cellular antioxidant defense s ystem.