Human Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Bioenergetics and Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism
Synthesis, Transport, and Excretion of Cholesterol
Biomedical Significance

Cholesterol is an amphipathic lipid and an essential structural component of Cell membranes and the outer monolayer of plasma Lipoproteins. Lipoproteins transport cholesterol in the bloodstream, where it readily equilibrates with cholesterol present in other lipoproteins and membranes. In many Tissues, cholesterol is found in its esterified form. It is transported throughout the body as part of lipoproteins, with LDL acting as the mediator for the uptake of cholesterol and its esters by various tissues. Free cholesterol is removed from tissues via HDL and transported to the Liver, where it is converted into Bile acids. Although it is a major component of gallstones, its primary pathological role is acting as a causative factor in the atherosclerosis of vital Arteries in the Brain, Heart, and other Organs. In coronary atherosclerosis, an elevated plasma LDL-cholesterol-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio is typically observed.



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