CHOLESTEROL AND ITS IMPLICATIONS- A REVIEW

Idoko A; Ugwudike PO; Ayomide TA; Blessing NO

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v5i6.513

Idoko A Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences Caritas University Amorji – Nike, P.M.B. 01784, Enugu, Nigeria. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Ugwudike PO Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences Caritas University Amorji – Nike, P.M.B. 01784, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ayomide TA Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences Caritas University Amorji – Nike, P.M.B. 01784, Enugu, Nigeria.
Blessing NO Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences Caritas University Amorji – Nike, P.M.B. 01784, Enugu, Nigeria.

10.22270/ujpr.v5i6.513

Keywords:

Animal fats, cholesterol, cholesterol absorption, diet, functional foods, heart disease, life’s threat, nutraceuticals, steroids

Abstract

Ambiguity associated with cholesterol portrays its significance and concern. Cholesterol is a steroid biomolecule of animal cells with several important functions in living system, such as steroid hormone production, structural architecture of cell membranes, production of vitamin D, sources of bile salts and bile acids. Its sources include endogenous (de novo production by body’s tissues) and exogenous (dietary), contributing to cholesterol pool in the body. Cholesterol homeostasis is essentially regulated by the body. This review focuses on the following; basis of cholesterol, biological functions of cholesterol, structural description of cholesterol, Biosynthesis of cholesterol, cholesterol and its derivatives e.g bile acids, bile salts, steroid hormone, absorption and utilization of dietary cholesterol and current advancement in cholesterol management against risk factors. Hypercholesterolaemia is known to be an important precondition to the etiology of cardiovascular disorders which include atherosclerosis, stroke and coronary heart diseases. Interventions for the management and prevention of hypercholesterolaemia currently advocated include pharmaceuticals (drugs) and non pharmaceuticals, but more concern on non pharmacological therapeutic interventions such as the use of Medicinal Plants and herbs, Nutraceuticals, Diet and Exercises (lifestyle) and Functional and Mediterranean Foods. It is thus glaring that the disease linked implication of cholesterol can be prevented and managed using the appropriate interventions.