| Sažetak (engleski) | Cholesterol belongs to the lipid molecule with steroidal structure. It is a constituent
of the cell membrane structure in our body. lt also plays an important role as a basic
molecule (the source) in the synthesis of different steroid hormones, such as: corticosteroids
(glucocorticoid - cortizol and mineralocorticoid - aldosteron), male and female
hormones (testosterone, progesterone and estrogens), 1 .25-dihydroxycholecalciferol
(vitamin 03), as well as production of bile acids, involved in many different functions
(regulatory processes).
Endogenous production of cholesterol takes place mainly in the liver (inside the hepatocyte)
and represents about 70% of total cholesterol. The rest of 30% of total cholesterol
is derived from the food. ln the case of increased intake or increased production
of cholestcrol, hypercholesterolemia may occur.
High level of cholesterol in the blood is not favorable, because it can be precipitated
inside the blood wall, which consequently leads to atherosclerosis and coronary diseases.
lncrease of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseascs aIso appears.
The cure of this condition is possible by using different approachcs, such as lowering
the intake of food containing triglyceride and increasing physical activity. lf that is not
enough to normalize the level of serum cholesterol, it is necessary to proceed with pharmacological
approach. There are well-known drugs available on our rnarket, under the
name statins (fluvastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin), which inhibit endogenous
cholesterol production by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. Also, another drug
ezetimib, which belongs to the new class of drugs, inhibits re-absorption of cholesterol
inside the gastrointestinal tract by blocking transporter NPCl L1 , responsible far its
transfer from lumen to enterocyte.
Lowering cholesterol under the normal level is also not favorable, because the appearance
of possible side effects, such as depressive symptoms, becomes visible.
From another point of view, low level of cholesterol can be reflected in a disbalance
(putting out of order) of biological membrane structure, synthesis of steroidal hormones,
bile acids production, as well as delayed function of particular organs. Also, changes in
brain function connected with lack of cholesterol can be manifested as memory defect,
changes in behavior and so on.
Far all the above mentioned reasons, it can be concluded that the value of cholesterol
must be kept within the normal control level, (i.e. not high and not too low = not hyper or
hypo-cholesterolemic state), to prolong human health and life. |
