Molecular Pathways Underlying Cholesterol Homeostasis

Overview

Journal Nutrients

Date 2018 Jun 15

PMID 29899250

Citations 57

Authors

Milessa Silva Afonso

Roberta Marcondes Machado

Maria Silvia Lavrador

Eder Carlos Rocha Quintao

Kathryn J Moore

Ana Maria Lottenberg

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Cholesterol is an essential molecule that exerts pleiotropic actions. Although its presence is vital to the cell, its excess can be harmful and, therefore, sustaining cholesterol homeostasis is crucial to maintaining proper cellular functioning. It is well documented that high plasma cholesterol concentration increases the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease. In the last decades, several studies have investigated the association of plasma cholesterol concentrations and the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as the signaling pathways involved in cholesterol homeostasis. Here, we present an overview of several mechanisms involved in intestinal cholesterol absorption, the regulation of cholesterol synthesis and uptake. We also discuss the importance of reverse cholesterol transport and transintestinal cholesterol transport to maintain cholesterol homeostasis and prevent atherosclerosis development. Additionally, we discuss the influence of dietary cholesterol on plasma cholesterol concentration and the new recommendations for cholesterol intake in a context of a healthy dietary pattern.

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