- Anti-cholesterol
Anti-cholesterol is a naturally occurring
antibody tocholesterol produced by mammals. It is believed that this antibody serves a ‘housekeeping’ or protective role for the host animal, helping to protect the animal from harmful forms of cholesterol such asLDL andVLDL .Modes of Action
An immunoglobulin protein, "anti-cholesterol" may be found both in circulation as well as in the digestive tract.
* In circulation, this antibody binds selectively to the small, dense, oxidized cholesterol-rich LDL particles that are known to contribute to the development of
atherosclerosis . The antibody does not bind the good forms of cholesterol such asHDL .* In the
gastrointestinal tract , the antibody acts as acholesterol absorption inhibitor . The antibody selectively binds to cholesterol-richmicelles and prevents their uptake by the intestinalenterocyte . The antibody-bound micelle is then removed through fecal clearance.References
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8757321&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum Interaction of anti-cholesterol antibodies with human lipoproteins.] Dijkstra J, Swartz GM Jr, Raney JJ, Aniagolu J, Toro L, Nacy CA, Green SJ. J Immunol. 1996 Sep 1;157(5):2006-13.
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8592095&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum Immunization with cholesterol-rich liposomes induces anti-cholesterol antibodies and reduces diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and plaque formation.] Alving CR, Swartz GM Jr, Wassef NM, Ribas JL, Herderick EE, Virmani R, Kolodgie FD, Matyas GR, Cornhill JF. J Lab Clin Med. 1996 Jan;127(1):40-9.
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