In recent years, cholesterol has become a topic of paramount concern for public health. Research on cholesterol has shown that increased levels of this compound in the bloodstream can increase an individual's risk for the development of a host of chronic health problems including coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. Despite the fact that cholesterol has been viewed as a negative component of an individual's diet, research on the compound clearly shows that cholesterol is essential for the proper function of the human body. As such, there is a clear impetus for individuals to understand the benefits and drawbacks of cholesterol in the human body.
[...] Through a careful consideration of what has been written on these topics a more integral understanding of cholesterol and the need to regulate this substance in the human body will be elucidated. Cholesterol Metabolism What is perhaps most interesting about the process of cholesterol metabolism is that while many laymen assume that cholesterol only comes from the specific foods that the eat—meaning that a reduction in dietary cholesterol will reduce the level of cholesterol in the body—research on the synthesis of cholesterol shows that this compound is made by the human body. [...]
[...] Cellular Sterol Content While the above information provides a clear understanding of how the body regulates the production, transportation and excretion of cholesterol, what is not addressed in this information is how the cell regulates the production of cholesterol overall. In this context sterol is needed for the production of cholesterol. To capture the sterol needed the cell activates LDL receptors on the cell surface. As the need for cholesterol increases, so too do the LDL activation sites on the cell. [...]
[...] In this process, HGM-CoA Reductase has been found to have a sterol-sensing domain that can effectively activate the degradation of the enzyme to slow cholesterol production. In addition, regulated transcription can regulate cholesterol synthesis. According to Voet and Voet, a family of transcription factors, SREBP (sterol regulatory element binding proteins) is in place to control both cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. All three of the mechanisms of cholesterol synthesis regulation are manifestations of the compound itself. In short, cholesterol has the ability to control and regulate its synthesis and development in the human body. [...]
[...] Although the specific mechanism of action for fibrates has been highly debated, researchers note that it is believed that “through a variety of mechanisms, they reduce production of cholesterol, increase the breakdown of triglycerides, and promote elimination of certain types of cholesterol from the body” (Fibric acid derivatives, 2005). In many cases, fibrates are used in conjunction with statins to effectively lower cholesterol. Research on these drugs shows that they are not highly effective when used by themselves (Fibric acid derivatives, 2005). [...]
[...] References Drug treatments. (2002). University of Maryland Medical Center. Accessed November at: http://www.umm.edu/careguides/cholesterol/cholesterol_bile.html. Drug treatments for high cholesterol. (2005, January 1). What to Do About High Cholesterol, 32-40. Facts about heart disease. (2005). Northern Suburban Cardiology Group. Accessed November at: http://www.nscardiology.com/factscholesterolandlipid.htm. Fibric Acid Derivatives. (2005). Drug Digest. Accessed November at: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Comparison/NewComparison/0,10621,35- 15,00.html. Foreman, D. (2004). Cholesterol 101: Back to the basis with niacin. Total Health, 58-59. High cholesterol and heart disease. [...]
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