3-Keto cholesterol is utilized in biochemical research to study cholesterol metabolism and its role in various biological processes. It serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids, making it valuable for understanding pathways related to lipid metabolism. In pharmaceutical studies, it is used to investigate the mechanisms of cholesterol-lowering drugs and their effects on enzymatic activity. Additionally, 3-keto cholesterol is employed in the development of diagnostic tools for detecting metabolic disorders linked to cholesterol imbalance. Its application extends to studying oxidative stress and its impact on cellular health, particularly in relation to cholesterol oxidation products.