Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Effect of long-chain fatty acids on low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol metabolism
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235-8887.
Abstract:
The concentration of cholesterol in the low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) fraction of plasma is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease. Steady-state concentrations of LDL cholesterol in the plasma are determined primarily by the production rate and the rate of removal of LDL cholesterol from the circulation by receptor-dependent transport. The magnitude of these two processes is affected by the type of fatty acid in the diet. Saturated fatty acids with 14 and 16 carbon atoms suppress receptor-dependent LDL-cholesterol transport into the liver, increase the LDL-cholesterol production rate, and raise the plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration. The 9-cis 18:1 fatty acid restores receptor activity, lowers the production rate, and decreases the plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration. In contrast with these fatty acids, the 18:0 and 9-trans 18:1 fatty acids are biologically inactive and so do not change the circulating LDL-cholesterol concentration.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Lipid Absorption
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...

