Consequences of cellular cholesterol accumulation: basic concepts and physiological implications

摘要: The cells of most organs and tissues satisfy their requirements for membrane cholesterol via endogenous biosynthesis (1). Many cell types, however, have acquired mechanisms to internalize exogenous sources cholesterol, usually in the form plasma-derived lipoproteins (2). Examples include steroid-synthesizing cells, hepatocytes, macrophages smooth muscle atherosclerotic lesions, often referred as foam cells. In case steroidogenic internalization lipoprotein-cholesterol represents a physiological process that provides with precursor stores, be used “acute” steroid hormone production (3). Hepatocyte lipoprotein uptake mediates clearance various classes plasma (1), which can lead whole-body elimination excess diet-derived bile, known reverse transport (Tall, this Perspective series, ref. 4). arterial-wall by may type scavenging response initially helps rid endothelium potentially harmful material (5). As will discussed below, cellular eventually contributes progression complications vascular disease.