Phytosterols, Phytostanols, and Lipoprotein Metabolism

Abstract

The efficacy of phytosterols and phytostanols added to foods and food supplements to obtain significant non-pharmacologic serum and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction is well documented. Irrespective of age, gender, ethnic background, body weight, background diet, or the cause of hypercholesterolemia and, even added to statin treatment, phytosterols and phytostanols at 2 g/day significantly lower LDL cholesterol concentration by 8%–10%. They do not affect the concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) or serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. In some studies, phytosterols and phytostanols have modestly reduced serum triglyceride levels especially in subjects with slightly increased baseline concentrations. Phytosterols and phytostanols lower LDL cholesterol by displacing cholesterol from mixed micelles in the small intestine so that cholesterol absorption is partially inhibited. Cholesterol absorption and synthesis have been carefully evaluated during phytosterol and phytostanol supplementation. However, only a few lipoprotein kinetic studies have been performed, and they revealed that LDL apoprotein B-100 transport rate was reduced. LDL particle size was unchanged, but small dense LDL cholesterol concentration was reduced. In subjects with metabolic syndrome and moderate hypertriglyceridemia, phytostanols reduced not only non- high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration but also serum triglycerides by 27%, and reduced the large and medium size very low density lipoprotein particle concentrations. In the few postprandial studies, the postprandial lipoproteins were reduced, but detailed studies with apoprotein B-48 are lacking. In conclusion, more kinetic studies are required to obtain a more complete understanding of the fasting and postprandial lipoprotein metabolism caused by phytosterols and phytostanols. It seems obvious, however, that the most atherogenic lipoprotein particles will be diminished.

Antidiabetic Activity of Ergosterol from Pleurotus Ostreatus in KK‐Ay Mice with Spontaneous Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Phytosterols are reported to reduce LDL-C, [34] which is consistent with our findings (Figure 4), and a previous study reported that ERG can relieve kidney injury in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of DM. [15] Interestingly, we found that ERG can also protect the pancreas and liver in KK-A y diabetic mice ( Figures 6 and 7).…”

“…The difference between phytosterols and cholesterols lies in the different side chain structure. It is reported that phytosterols have been added to food to reduce LDL-C. [34] As a member of the phytosterol group, ERG has many biological activities. A previous study reported that ERG can relieve kidney injury in a streptozotocininduced diabetic mice.…”

Untitled

“…High intakes of phytosterols will lower cholesterol absorption and LDL concentrations in blood [18]. In the intestine, these phytosterols will eject cholesterol from mixed micelles, which can decrease cholesterol absorption resulting in low levels of cholesterol in the blood [19]. Hence the body synthesizes cholesterol to meet its needs [19].…”

“…In the intestine, these phytosterols will eject cholesterol from mixed micelles, which can decrease cholesterol absorption resulting in low levels of cholesterol in the blood [19]. Hence the body synthesizes cholesterol to meet its needs [19]. There are other biological activities, but scientists do not know their significance to humans so far.…”

“…Clinical trials found that the consumption of phytosterols in the average of 2 g/day decreased the concentrations of serum LDL cholesterol by 9-14% [19].The reduction in LDL cholesterol could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by 20% [19]. In other words, abalanced diet of plant sterol foods, which is rich in fiber, vegetables, whole grains, fruit, and low in saturated fat, is also important in reducing CHD risk [25].…”