Transintestinal cholesterol efflux.
OBJECTIVE
Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis is a complex interplay of a multitude of metabolic pathways situated in different organs. The liver plays a central role and has received most attention of the research community. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the understanding of the emerging role of the intestine in cholesterol transport.


RESULTS
In recent years, insight in the transport systems that mediate intestinal cholesterol excretion has deepened considerably. Evidence is emerging that the proximal part of the small intestine is able to secrete cholesterol actively, a pathway called transintestinal cholesterol efflux (TICE). In mice, TICE accounts for up to 70% of fecal neutral sterol excretion.


CONCLUSIONS
The small intestine plays a significant role in the regulation of body cholesterol homeostasis. Active processes control both absorption and excretion of the sterol and the pathways involved are being elucidated. TICE might provide an attractive target for therapy aiming at reduction of atherosclerosis.
van der Velde
Astrid E
AE
Academic Medical Center, AMC Liver Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Brufau
Gemma
G
Groen
Albert K
AK
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism*; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*
D002784:Cholesterol