Informative write-up on cholesterol types and functions

[cjbrooksjc]

I don't prescribe to everything in this thread, but its a good overview of the sources, values, functions, and types of cholesterol in our bodies. Its an easy read.

**http://www.naturalproductssolution.com/managing-your-cholesterol-naturally.html

Brooks

[Biologist]

Interesting article, Brooks.

Here is a new concept for me in the following quote about the HDL types (actually they are just different phases of the same molecule, it would seem -- just like for the various LDL types):

"It has been shown that high levels of HDL cholesterol are
inversely related to coronary artery disease risk. However,
what people do not know is that there are different subtypes
of HDl (sic), including HDL-2 and HDL-3. HDL-3 is produced
by the liver and intestines and is responsible for scooping up
free cholesterol from the blood vessel walls. The cholesterol
carried by HDL-3 is chemically modified, forming a larger-
sized subtype, known as HDL-2, or “mature HDL.” HDL-2
transports cholesterol to the liver for processing and
elimination, and its molecules are then recirculated in the
blood stream. Research has shown that HDL-2 provides
more heart-protection because it moves the cholesterol
away from arterial walls, and holds a greater number of
receptor sites which allows it to carry a larger amount of
cholesterol to the liver."

_____

The following is interesting, but I am unconvinced it is the main reason for the natural limitation of cholesterol absorption from cholesterol consumption (e.g., eating many eggs). I do not know the biochemical / physiological mechanism for the body's Liver/Cholesterol Feedback System, yet, but there must be much more to it than this. I am waiting on the results of an experiment which may prove my point. I will post on it later. Here's that quote:

"Plant sterols, found in nuts, vegetable oils, corn, and rice
are structurally similar to cholesterol and are able to block
its absorption. Each day the liver receives about 800 mg of
cholesterol from intestinal absorption through receptor sites.
After entering these channels, the cholesterol is absorbed
into the bloodstream. Since plant sterols look similar to
cholesterol, they fit perfectly into these receptor sites and
block the absorption, which allows the cholesterol to remain
in our intestines where it can eventually be excreted. A large
amount of plant sterols reduces the amount of cholesterol
transported from the intestinal tract to the liver. This
cholesterol reduction causes a decrease in LDL levels."

_____


The following quote was not representative of MY experience regarding a prescription of 40 mg per day of Zocor for years. I had no evidence of any heart disease. As I recall, the main concern was my triglyceride levels (no doubt a function of a taste for cold beer -- my favorite brand was keg as opposed to six pack or case ), which I do not believe are much effected by statins but I will be researching this a bit more. My total cholesterol was certainly over 200, but not by too much, and I do not remember my ratios, but I will be digging up these records in the near future. Here's the quote. Start with the second sentence:


"Even if a person does not have high cholesterol levels,
reducing bad and raising good cholesterol greatly reduces
their risk for ever developing chronic heart disease. Due to
side effects, physicians do not normally prescribe statin
drugs to people without actual heart disease of high LDL
cholesterol levels. Instead, they recommend dietary changes.
The HDL-boosting combination and LDL-lowering pantethine
and plant sterols blend can effectively help people with heart
disease, uncontrolled cholesterol levels, high triglyceride
levels, or people who just want to improve their heart health."

Note that dietary changes have proven to affect cholesterol levels minimally, to my understanding.

Biologist

[cjbrooksjc]

Biologist: I agree completely with your observations, though I thought the liver produced not a set amount of cholesterol daily, but an amount required to provide what the body felt was needed after dietary supplementation.

And I found the HDL2 and 3 information engrossing. By the time this sh!+ kills me I will be closing in on a well-informed conclusion.

Brooks