| For medical practitioners and the general public - Cholesterol Journal Article Catalog. |
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| The interaction of prostaglandin E1 with serum lipoproteins. Possible role in cholesterol homeostasis Bergelson, L. D. (1990), Lipids 25(12): 767-74. Abstract: Prostaglandin (PG) E1 significantly stimulates the rate of cholesterol esterification in plasma. This effect could be attributed to an enhancement by PGE1 of the interlipoprotein transfer of phosphatidylcholine and cholesteryl esters, i.e., the substrate and product of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). The enhancement effect appears to be due to a rearrangement of the lipoprotein surface induced by specific interaction of PGE1 with some apolipoproteins, although the binding capacity of serum lipoproteins for PGE1 was found to be rather weak. To explain these findings, an hypothetical non-equilibrium model was put forward. The purpose of the present article is to summarize available data on the PGE1-lipoprotein interaction. |
| The interaction of various cholesterol 'ancestors' with lipid membranes: a 2H-NMR study on oriented bilayers Krajewski-Bertrand, M. A., A. Milon, et al. (1992), Biochim Biophys Acta 1105(2): 213-20. Abstract: The effect of putative cholesterol 'precursors' on model membranes has been studied by deuterium nuclear, magnetic resonance (2H-NMR) spectroscopy. Oriented bilayers were prepared from 1-myristoyl-2-2H27 myristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC-d27) and tricyclohexaprenols or octaprenediols. Order parameter profiles were determined and showed that tricyclohexaprenols and octaprenediols increase the acyl chain order in DMPC bilayers, but to a smaller extent than cholesterol. The order parameter increases, depending on the chain position, from 5% to 7% in the presence of ditertiary octaprenediol, and from 16% to 21% in the presence of tricyclohexaprenol-Z,Z. Aqueous multilamellar dispersions of DMPC-d27 and of DMPC-d27 containing 30 mol% tricyclohexaprenol-E,E were prepared, and the first moments calculated from 2H-NMR spectra over the temperature range 5-55 degrees C. Tricyclohexaprenol-E,E almost abolishes the phase transition of DMPC. Thus, as predicted, tricyclohexaprenols and octaprenediols have a cholesterol-like behaviour in lipid membranes; however their effect on the model DMPC system is weak. On the contrary, isoarborinol has no effect on the lipid chain order in the liquid-crystalline phase of DMPC bilayers. 2H-NMR spectra of aqueous dispersions of DMPC-d27 and 30 mol% isoarborinol between 25 and 60 degrees C showed the coexistence of two lamellar phases over a wide temperature range, which was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and 31P-NMR spectroscopy. This absence of ordering effect of isoarborinol might be related to some inherent structural features. |
| The interactive effects of hepatic lipase gene promoter polymorphisms with sex and obesity on high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Taiwanese-Chinese Ko, Y. L., L. A. Hsu, et al. (2004), Atherosclerosis 172(1): 135-42. Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Hepatic lipase (HL) is involved in the metabolism of several lipoproteins and plays a key role in reverse cholesterol transport. The aim of the current study was to test the statistical association between two HL gene promoter polymorphisms (HL-514C/T and HL-250G/A) and lipoprotein profiles in a Taiwanese-Chinese population. METHODS: A sample population of 716 Taiwanese-Chinese individuals was analyzed. DNA was extracted from the blood and genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzyme digestion, and agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed that these two polymorphisms are in strong linkage disequilibrium (D/D(max)=0.97, P<0.001). A significantly lower total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio was noted for carriers with the -514T and -250A alleles compared to non-carriers (P=0.007 and 0.004, respectively). A significant trend of the association was also found on the high levels of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) among carriers with the -514T and -250A alleles as opposed to that of non-carriers (P=0.030 and 0.023, respectively). Multivariate analysis has demonstrated that the effects of HL-514C/T and HL-250G/A polymorphisms on HDL-C levels were not affected by subjects' sex, body mass index, plasma triglyceride levels and the cholesterol ester transfer protein gene TaqIB polymorphism. Subgroup analysis on each sex has revealed that the two studied polymorphisms were significantly associated with HDL-C levels among males but not significant in women. The same association between obese and non-obese men was not consistent. The P-value of the respective polymorphisms on HDL-C levels were 0.012 and 0.002 among obese men, but not significant among non-obese men. CONCLUSION: Analysis of our data revealed an independent association between the HL gene promoter polymorphisms and HDL-C levels in Taiwanese-Chinese. The data also suggests that the HL-514C/T and HL-250G/A polymorphisms interact with sex and obesity on HDL-C levels. The findings give clues for identifying high risk population in preventive medicine and clinical diagnosis. The subsequent impacts on treatment profiles and prognosis were derived from this study. |
| The interest of cholesterol levels in young children. Study in a population of 4,697 children aged 4. Vincelet, C., E. Bruckert, et al. (2004), Presse Med 33(20): 1417-20. Abstract: INTRODUCTION: There is a need to dispose of normal cholesterol levels in young children. In view of the paucity of such data in France, we analysed the results of screening conducted in children. METHOD: We analysed the cholesterol levels of 4697 children, with a mean age of 4.3 years, attending a medical check-up in a Child Health Unit in a National Health Scheme centre in Paris. All the children were recruited consecutively during the year 2002. RESULTS: The mean cholesterol level was of 4.4 mmol/L +/- 0.75. We detected a slight gender-related variation (the mean in girls and boys were of 4.5 +/- 0.76 and 4.4 +/- 0.74 respectively). The 95 percentile in girls and boys were 5.7 and 5.6 mmol/L, respectively. DISCUSSION: For the first time in France, we now have access to data on normal cholesterol levels in a large cohort of 4 year-old children. Screening for hypercholesterolaemia in children provides the opportunity to discuss dietary counselling. |
| The interplay of genetic and environmental factors in craniofacial morphogenesis: holoprosencephaly and the role of cholesterol Edison, R. and M. Muenke (2003), Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 43(1): 1-21. Abstract: Cyclopia, the paradigmatic "face that predicts the brain" in severe holoprosencephaly (HPE) (DeMyer et al., 1964), has been recognized since ancient times. Descriptive embryologists and pathologists have noted the continuum of defective separation of the forebrain and loss of central nervous system (CNS) midline structures for more than a century. It has been recognized more recently that inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, whether consumed in native plants by range sheep, or experimentally applied to early embryos, could phenocopy the natural malformation, as could a variety of other teratogens (maternal diabetes, alcohol). Yet it has been less than a decade that the genomic knowledge base and powerful analytic methods have brought the sciences of descriptive, molecular, and genetic embryology within range of each other. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentations and pathogenesis of HPE. We will outline various genetic and teratogenic mechanisms leading to HPE. Lastly, we will attempt to examine the pivotal role of cholesterol and the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway in this disorder and in normal embryonic forebrain development. |
| The interrelationship among tobacco consumption, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and leukocyte counts Celada, M. M., J. R. Reguero, et al. (1997), J Cardiovasc Risk 4(4): 279-81. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tobacco consumption is a major cardiovascular risk factor that has been related to changes in lipoprotein levels and in the leukocyte count. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interrelationship among leukocytes, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and tobacco consumption. METHODS: In total 1022 healthy male miners aged 40.5+/-8 years (mean+/-SD) were evaluated consecutively during the period 1993-1994. We evaluated the smoking history of all of the subjects by means of a structured questionnaire. After the subject had fasted for 12 h we extracted blood samples by venepuncture. Plasma concentrations of HDL were determined enzymatically (by the CHOD-PAP method) and the leukocyte count was determined with an automatic analyser. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance for the mean differences and the Pearson and stepwise tests to determine correlations. RESULTS: The leukocyte count was significantly lower (8.014+/-2.327/mm3, P < 0.05) in those subjects with levels of HDL cholesterol equal to or greater than 0.9 mmol/l in comparison with that in those with HDL cholesterol levels lower than 0.9 mmol/l (8.450+/-2.375/mm3). Leukocyte counts were correlated directly to tobacco consumption (r= 0.3119, P < 0.01) and inversely to H DL cholesterol levels (r = -0.1513, P < 0.01). HDL cholesterol levels were lower in smokers (1.15+/-0.31 mmol/l) and these differences were significant with respect to the levels in non-smokers (1.22+/-0.30 mmol/l, P<0.05) but not with respect to those in former smokers (1.21+/-0.39 mmol/l). The leukocyte count was significantly greater in smokers (8.963+/-2.428/mm3, P<0.05) than it was in former smokers (7.041+/-1.698/mm3) and in non-smokers (6.793+/-1.599/mm3). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that tobacco consumption is associated with lower HDL cholesterol levels and higher leukocyte counts. Leukocyte counts correlate positively to tobacco consumption and inversely to HDL cholesterol levels. Subjects with HDL cholesterol levels lower than 0.9 mmol/l present with leukocyte counts higher than those found in those with HDL cholesterol values equal to or greater than 0.9 mmol/l. |
| The interrelationships between serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL subpopulations Yan, B. Y., M. D. Fu, et al. (2004), Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 35(3): 327-9. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of serum triglyceride (TG) level and total cholesterol (TC) level on the change of the contents of serum HDL subpopulations. METHODS: The apolipoprotein (apo) A-I contents of serum HDL subpopulations in 289 subjects were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis associated with immunodetection method. RESULTS: Analysis of the data on the serum TG levels in subjects revealed that the apoA-I contents of pre beta 1-HDL, pre beta 2-HDL, HDL3b and HDL3a increased with the increase of TG level, whereas the apoA-I contents of HDL2a and HDL2b decreased. By comparison with the data of normal TG group, the apoA-I contents of pre beta 1-HDL and HDL3b in the high TG and very high TG groups were significantly higher, whereas those of HDL2b were significantly lower in the high TG and very high TG groups. Analysis of the data on the serum TC levels in subjects revealed that the apoA-I contents of pre beta 1-HDL, pre beta 2-HDL, HDL2c and HDL3b increased with the increase of TC level, while the apoA-I contents of HDL2b decreased. As compared with the data of TC desirable group, the apoA-I contents of pre beta 1-HDL, HDL3c and HDL3b were significantly higher in the high TC group. CONCLUSION: With the increase of serum TG or TC, there is a general shift toward small-sized HDL in subjects. Besides, the change of serum TG level is a more important factor influencing the components of HDL subpopulations, compared with the change of serum TC level. |
| The intestinal absorption of biliary and dietary cholesterol as a drug target for lowering the plasma cholesterol level Turley, S. D. and J. M. Dietschy (2003), Prev Cardiol 6(1): 29-33, 64. Abstract: Elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels constitute a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. The plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration is dictated partly by the efficiency of intestinal cholesterol absorption. The efficacy of treatments designed to block cholesterol absorption is partially offset to the extent that the liver compensates for the interruption to the enterohepatic movement of cholesterol by increasing the rate at which it synthesizes cholesterol. Currently, the most widely-used treatment for hypercholesterolemia is based on a class of agents (statins) that partially inhibit cholesterol synthesis within the body. Recent clinical trials with a unique, potent, and selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe) used in combination with lower doses of various statins showed an additive reduction in plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels which equaled the reduction achieved with maximal doses of statins given alone. Combination therapy using a statin and this novel cholesterol absorption inhibitor represents an efficacious new approach to the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in the general population. |
| The intra-uterine origins of disturbed cholesterol homeostasis Barker, D. J. (1999), Acta Paediatr 88(5): 483-4. |
| The intron 14 2140+5G>A variant in the low density lipoprotein receptor gene has no effect on plasma cholesterol levels Whittall, R. A., S. Matheus, et al. (2002), J Med Genet 39(9): e57. |
| The inverse association between age and cholesterol level among older patients: the role of poor health status Volpato, S., G. Zuliani, et al. (2001), Gerontology 47(1): 36-45. Abstract: BACKGROUND: The total cholesterol concentration decreases with age in older people. The reasons for this phenomenon are controversial. This study investigated the hypothesis that poor health status is a determinant of the inverse association between age and cholesterol in older persons. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 2,486 (53% women) older medical patients (> or =65 years) admitted at 35 centers of the Gruppo Italiano di Farmacovigilanza nell'Anziano (GIFA) study in Italy. Total cholesterol was measured on the first day after admission to the hospital. Disease burden and comorbidity were assessed by the Charlson index; low serum albumin and iron were considered markers of frailty and poor health. RESULTS: In men there was a significant, inverse age-cholesterol relationship (-0.97 mg/dl per year, p<0.001). In women the association was nonlinear and cholesterol significantly decreased after the age of 75 (-0.95 mg/dl per year, p<0.005). In multiple linear regression analysis, indicators of poor health accounted for almost two thirds of the crude effect of age on the cholesterol level in both men and women (adjusted coefficients for age were: for men, -0.38 mg/dl per year, p = 0.044; for women after the age of 75, -0.37 mg/dl per year, p = 0.205). The unadjusted probability of having low cholesterol significantly increased with age among men (p for trend <0.005). In multiple logistic regression, indicators of poor health were strongly associated with low cholesterol in both men and women. After adjusting for indicators of poor health, the association between age and low cholesterol in men was no longer present. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the age-dependent reduction of cholesterol often observed in clinical and epidemiologic studies is substantially explained by the effect of poor health status. Low cholesterol in older persons may be a marker of poor health. |
| The in-vitro influence of serum amyloid A isoforms on enzymes that regulate the balance between esterified and un-esterified cholesterol Ely, S., R. Bonatesta, et al. (2001), Amyloid 8(3): 169-81. Abstract: The intracellular balance between un-esterified and esterified cholesterol is regulated by two enzyme activities, cholesterol ester hydrolases, which drive the balance in favor of un-esterified cholesterol, and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) which acts in the opposite direction. During acute inflammation apo-serum amyloid A (apoSAA) isoforms 1.1 and 2.1 become major constituents of high density lipoprotein and this complex is internalized by macrophages. Mixtures of the two isoforms have been shown to enhance cholesterol esterase activity. Using a purified form of the pancreatic enzyme we have explored the mechanism by which apoSAA may accomplish this stimulation. The pancreatic esterase cleaves cholesteryl-oleate with a Km of 0.255 mM, releasing both cholesterol and oleate. Cholesterol exhibits a product inhibition which is relieved by isoform 2.1 but not 1.1 nor apolipoprotein A-I. The NH2-terminal 16 residues of isoform 2.1 had no effect on the esterase, but the 80 residue peptide constituting its COOH-terminus possessed the stimulatory property. Purified isoforms 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, apolipoprotein A-I, the NH2-terminal 16 residues and COOH-terminal 80 residues of isoform 2.1 were also examined for their effects on macrophage ACAT activity. Isoforms 2.1 and 2.2 produced dose dependent inhibitions of up to 50%, (p<0.001). Isoform 1.1, and apoA-I had no effect on ACAT activity. The NH2-terminal 16 residue peptide of isoform 2.1 reduced the ACAT activity in a dose dependent manner by 74% (p<0.001), whereas the COOH-terminal 80 residues, in contrast to its enhancing effect on the esterase, had no inhibitory effect on ACAT. Such complementary but opposite effects of isoform 2.1 on ACAT and the esterase are consistent with a role for this protein in shifting the balance between unesterified (transportable) and esterified (storage) forms of cholesterol in favor of the latter. They suggest that apoSAA2.1 may mediate cholesterol mobilization at sites of tissue injury. |
| The iron chelator desferrioxamine inhibits atherosclerotic lesion development and decreases lesion iron concentrations in the cholesterol-fed rabbit Minqin, R., R. Rajendran, et al. (2005), Free Radic Biol Med 38(9): 1206-11. Abstract: Several epidemiological studies have suggested that increased iron stores are associated with increased atherosclerotic events. In order to test the hypothesis that decreasing the vascular level of iron slows lesion growth, we examined the effects of the iron chelator Desferal (72 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week) on atherosclerosis and lesion iron content in cholesterol-fed New Zealand White rabbits. Rabbits were fed with a 1% w/w cholesterol diet for either 8 weeks (and for the last 5 weeks injected daily with Desferal) or 12 weeks (and for the last 9 weeks injected with Desferal). Controls were injected with saline. A significant reduction in average lesion area (p = 0.038) was observed in the 12-week treated animals compared with the 12-week controls. The average lesion iron level of the 12-week treated animals (58 ppm dry wt) was also significantly lower (p = 0.030) than in 12-week control animals (95 ppm dry wt), as measured using nuclear microscopy with the combination of scanning transmission ion microscopy, Rutherford back-scattering spectroscopy, and particle-induced X-ray emission. No reduction in lesion area or iron content was observed in the 8-week treated animals compared with controls, and no change in lesion zinc concentration was observed for either group. Our data strengthen the concept that iron contributes to the early stages of the development of atherosclerosis. |
| The islet amyloid polypeptide (amylin) gene S20G mutation in Chinese subjects: evidence for associations with type 2 diabetes and cholesterol levels Lee, S. C., Y. Hashim, et al. (2001), Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 54(4): 541-6. Abstract: BACKGROUND: AND OBJECTIVES: There has been evidence that the S20G mutation in the islet amyloid polypeptide (amylin) gene may be associated with type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of the mutation in Hong Kong Chinese, and examined whether there was evidence for associations between the mutation and type 2 diabetes and/or metabolic profiles. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study involved 227 early and 235 late-onset (defined as onset age < or = 40 and > 40 years, respectively) type 2 diabetic patients, as well as 126 nondiabetic subjects. The mutation was detected using a PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: We identified six (2.6%) and one (0.4%) patients heterozygous for the mutation from the early and late-onset groups, respectively (P = 0.05). None of the nondiabetic subjects had the mutation. Insulin deficiency and poor glycaemic control were not common findings amongst carriers of the mutation. In the early onset group, the patients with the mutation had lower plasma levels of total (4.3 +/- 0.9 mmol/l vs. 5.3 +/- 1.1 mmol/l, P = 0.02) and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (2.3 +/- 0.7 mmol/l vs. 3.2 +/- 0.9 mmol/l, P = 0.01) than those without the mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the islet amyloid polypeptide gene mutation might be associated with early occurrence of type 2 diabetes and lower plasma levels of total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol in the Chinese population. |
| The key enzyme of cholesterol synthesis pathway: HMG-CoA reductase and disease Wang, W. and T. J. Tong (1999), Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan 30(1): 5-9. Abstract: In eukaryotes, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase is a key enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of a precusor of cholesterol as well as non-sterol isoprenoids, mevalonate. The regulation of the enzyme activity occurs at the transcription, post-transcription, translation and protein degradation levels. Cholesterol contributes to the generation and development of atherosclerosis while non-sterol isoprenoids play a role in regulation of cell proliferation, signal transduction and generation of cancers. At present, the enzyme is the target of several drugs effective against atherosclerosis. |
| The key to an enigma: how do dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids lower serum cholesterol? Olson, R. E. (2002), J Nutr 132(1): 134-5. |
| The lack of effect of beta-carotene on restenosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits Burchenal, J. E., J. F. Keaney, Jr., et al. (1996), Atherosclerosis 123(1-2): 157-67. Abstract: The success of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is limited by restenosis in 30-50% of cases. Cellular production of reactive oxygen species at the site of injury has been implicated as a contributing factor in the process of restenosis. beta-Carotene is a lipid-soluble antioxidant whose effects on this process have not been previously investigated. We attempted to elucidate whether beta-carotene treatment was capable of reducing restenosis. Femoral artery stenoses were produced by nitrogen-desiccation in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet. The animals were randomized to receive either a parenteral bolus of beta-carotene immediately prior to angioplasty, followed by 5 days of subcutaneous treatment (Acute Treatment); 5 days of subcutaneous pretreatment with beta-carotene followed by a parenteral bolus immediately prior to angioplasty and then another 5 days of subcutaneous treatment (Pretreatment); or vehicle only (Control). Angiography was performed immediately before and after angioplasty, and 28 days after angioplasty. The animals were then sacrificed, and the femoral arteries were harvested for histopathology. By quantitative angiography, the late loss of luminal diameter between angioplasty and final angiography was not significantly different between the acute treatment group, the pretreatment group and the control group. By histopathology, the area of intimal hyperplasia and the percent cross-sectional area stenosis were also not significantly different. The late loss in luminal diameter after angioplasty correlated significantly with the acute gain in luminal diameter produced by angioplasty. The amount of intimal hyperplasia correlated significantly with the arterial injury score assessed by histopathology. In summary, in this animal model of restenosis, parenteral beta-carotene failed to significantly reduce the amount of either intimal hyperplasia or late loss in luminal diameter after angioplasty. |
| The lack of long-term effect of Cisplatin based combination chemotherapy on serum cholesterol for treatment of testicular cancer Fenton, D. W., S. Verma, et al. (2002), J Urol 168(5): 1971-4. Abstract: PURPOSE: Cisplatin based combination therapy is curative in most patients with advanced testicular cancer. Previous reports have suggested that hypercholesterolemia is a common complication in this patient group. We performed a cross-sectional study to assess further the relationship of cisplatin based chemotherapy and serum cholesterol in long-term survivors of testicular cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fasting lipid profiles were obtained from 106 men previously treated for testicular cancer, of whom 34 had received cisplatin based combination chemotherapy and 72 were chemotherapy naive. RESULTS: Mean total cholesterol in the chemotherapy and nonchemotherapy groups was 5.50 +/- 0.20 and 5.36 +/- 0.13 mmol./l., respectively (p = 0.55). Mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the chemotherapy and nonchemotherapy groups was 1.09 +/- 0.04 and 1.09 +/- 0.03 mmol./l., (p = 0.94), while mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol was 3.49 +/- 0.17 and 3.40 +/- 0.11 mmol./l. (p = 0.67) respectively. The mean total-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was 5.26 +/- 0.27 in the chemotherapy group and 5.12 +/- 0.16 in the nonchemotherapy group (p = 0.67). Body mass index was not significantly different in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administering cisplatin based chemotherapy was unrelated to lipid profiles in long-term survivors of testicular cancer. Chemotherapy treated and chemotherapy naive patients had mean cholesterol levels in the borderline elevated range and body mass index in the overweight range. These potentially reversible cardiovascular risk factors have considerable importance in the overall testicular cancer population. |
| The lactulose challenge. Part 1. On the cholesterol lowering effect of lactulose Schumann, C. (1992), Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena) 86(18): 901-4. |
| The LDL receptor activity of hepatocytes during cholesterol gallstone formation in rabbits Zhao, J., L. Xiao, et al. (1998), Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 29(1): 42-6. Abstract: In order to study the mechanism of cholesterol gallstone formation through rabbit model which was induced by high cholesterol diet, we investigated the LDL receptor activity of hepatocytes binding to 125I-LDL in different phases, namely 1, 2, 3 week group and 4 week, and in a control group besides. In this animal experiment, cholesterol gallstones were induced at 2 week, 3 week and 4 week groups in 4/10, 6/10, and 7/10 cases respectively. The Bmax values of LDL receptor of hepatocytes binding to 125I-LDL decreased significantly in 3 week and 4 week groups (vs 1 week and control groups, P < 0.05). The kd values became increased in 3 week and 4 week groups (vs 1 week and control group, P < 0.05), which suggested that the activity of LDL receptor decreased gradually. In conclusions owing to the intake of high cholesterol diet with the passage of time, the decreased activity of LDL receptor of hepatocytes would reduce the synthesis of bile acid. |