[Interaction of cholesterol in plasma and cholesterol in the vessel wall].
It has been known for a long time that cholesterol is an important constituent of degenerative lesions of the arterial wall. During the last 20 years epidemiological studies have shown that the risk for coronary heart disease is strongly correlated with the plasma levels of cholesterol and in particular with LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol. The interactions between LDL and cells of the arterial wall have been investigated and recent findings suggest a model which explains the formation of early atherosclerotic lesions starting from increased LDL cholesterol concentrations. Further progression of lesions is characterised by continuous lipid accumulation with a relative increase of free cholesterol at the expense of cholesteryl esters. Regression even of advanced lesions can be achieved by vigorous lipid lowering therapy. The mechanisms of "reverse cholesterol transport" involved in this process are now understood to some extent.
Institute of Biochemistry, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
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D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
D002784:Cholesterol
Wechselwirkungen zwischen Cholesterin im Plasma und Cholesterin in der Gefässwand.