Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis.
Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is caused by a disturbed balance between cholesterol secretion into the blood versus uptake. The pathways involved are regulated via a complex interplay of enzymes, transport proteins, transcription factors and non-coding RNA's. The last two decades insight into underlying mechanisms has increased vastly but there are still a lot of unknowns, particularly regarding intracellular cholesterol transport. After decades of concentration on the liver, in recent years the intestine has come into focus as an important control point in cholesterol homeostasis. This review will discuss current knowledge of cholesterol physiology, with emphasis on cholesterol absorption, cholesterol synthesis and fecal excretion, and new (possible) therapeutic options for hypercholesterolemia.
Top Institute Food and Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Mariëtte Y M
MY
van der Wulp
Henkjan J
HJ
Verkade
Albert K
AK
Groen
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001692:Biological Transport; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004032:Diet; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D009928:Organ Specificity
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D002784:Cholesterol