title: Bioactives for cholesterol lowering: targeting of cholesterol absorption pathways.
abstract: The relationship between serum cholesterol and coronary heart disease is well established. Inhibitors of endogenous cholesterol synthesis (statins) have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events. Similarly, strategies directed towards the gastrointestinal tract may also be effective, as cholesterol absorption via the intestinal lumen is known to contribute to the total amount of cholesterol in the body. Although the exact mechanism(s) remain elusive, several naturally occurring compounds (bioactives), such as plant sterols, have been shown to influence the cholesterol absorption process. Accordingly, new targets, such as cholesterol esterase and cholesterol transport protein (Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein), may serve as worthy candidates for biologically active targets. This article discusses some of the potential benefits of targeting key proteins involved in cholesterol absorption and biosynthesis.
authors.affiliation: CSIRO Human Nutrition, PO Box 10041, Adelaide BC, SA 5000, Australia +61 8 8303 8821 ; +61 8 8303 8899 ; wayne.leifert@csiro.au.
authors.forename: Wayne R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Leifert
authors.forename: Mahinda Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Abeywardena