Chapter 11 - Cholesterol transport in blood, lipoproteins, and cholesterol metabolism

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to critically discuss recent work which has focused on the dynamics of cholesterol transport and its intersection with health. Firstly, we provide an overview of the main lipoproteins, and their role in whole-body cholesterol metabolism. We then focus on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), paying particular attention to a diverse array of evidence which associates perturbations to these lipoproteins with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Next, we explain how aging and obesity disrupt the biological mechanisms that regulate cholesterol metabolism. Crucially, we reveal the parallels between aging and obesity, underscoring that obesity superimposed on the aging process has the potential to exacerbate the age-related dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism. Following this, we unveil how mathematical modeling can be used to deepen our understanding of cholesterol metabolism. We conclude the chapter by discussing the future of this area; in doing so, we reveal how recent experimental findings could open the way for novel therapeutic approaches which could help maintain optimal blood lipoprotein levels and thus increase health span.