Cholesterol in the Cell Membrane—An Emerging Player in Atherogenesis

Abstract

Membrane cholesterol is essential for cell membrane properties, just as serum cholesterol is important for the transport of molecules between organs. This review focuses on cholesterol transport between lipoproteins and lipid rafts on the surface of macrophages. Recent studies exploring this mechanism and recognition of the central dogma—the key role of macrophages in cardiovascular disease—have led to the notion that this transport mechanism plays a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The exact molecular mechanism of this transport remains unclear. Future research will improve our understanding of the molecular and cellular bases of lipid raft-associated cholesterol transport.

Rapid Drop in Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Czech Male Population—What Was Actually behind It?

“…Our preliminary data [ 13 ] documented a significant positive correlation between the proportion of PIMs and non-HDL cholesterol levels in a relatively small number of LKDs. We, herein, present this correlation in 154 LKDs ( Figure 3 ) [ 26 ]. On the one hand, the highly significant correlation demonstrated that, in individuals with low non-HDL cholesterol levels, the proportion of PIMs was about 20%.…”

“…On the other hand, a decrease in cholesterol inflow to the artery may start a reversal of atherosclerosis and reduce the likelihood of atherosclerosis-related complications [ 28 ]. In addition, there may also be decreased transport of cholesterol molecules to the lipid rafts in circulating monocytes [ 26 ]. The documented decrease in non-HDL cholesterol levels and the shift of the general population to lower cholesterol levels, thus, resulted in lowering CVD mortality.…”

“…The metabolic pathways that influencs the potential synergy of diet-induced decreased lipoprotein concentrations and adipose tissue inflammatory status in CHD mortality are intricate ( Figure 5 ). Decreasing inflow of LDL particles is further potentiated by slowing cholesterol molecule transfer to circulating monocytes which, in turn, translates into slower macrophage polarization to the proinflammatory phenotype [ 26 ]. At the same time, an improved proportion of n-3 PUFAs and SAFAs in the cell membrane decreases CHD mortality by diminishing the proportion of PIMs in adipose tissue, slowing down the production of TNF-α and inflammatory interleukins with a beneficial effect on the arterial wall.…”

Alteration of cholesterol distribution at the plasma membrane of cancer cells: From evidence to pathophysiological implication and promising therapy strategy

“…First, chol depletion leads to increased PS exposure at the surface of RBCs, suggesting a role of chol as phospholipid scrambling regulator ( Arashiki et al, 2016 ). Second, the inner leaflet chol appears to be involved in diverse cellular processes such as modulation of cytoskeleton and motility and neurotransmitter receptor trafficking ( Paukner et al, 2022 ).…”

Impact of solid lipid nanoparticles on 3T3 fibroblasts viability and lipid profile: The effect of curcumin and resveratrol loading

“…Following the biosynthesis, desaturase enzymes introduce a methylene group in saturated FA (SFA) leading to the monounsaturated FA (MUFA), while polyunsaturated FA (n‐6 and n‐3 PUFA) are produced by elongation and desaturation of the essential linoleic (18:2 n‐6) and α‐linolenic (18:3 n‐3) acids, respectively (Ferreri et al, 2016 ; Maulucci et al, 2016 ). Free cholesterol, together with phospholipids, is an essential component in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells and plays diverse structural and functional roles (Paukner et al, 2022 ). Changes in lipid organization (FA and cholesterol) can largely affect membrane functional and biophysical properties (fluidity and lipid rafts organization), severely altering cellular functions such as membrane trafficking, protein dynamics, and signal transduction (Ferreri et al, 2016 ; Maulucci et al, 2016 ; Paukner et al, 2022 ; Santos & Schulze, 2012 ).…”