Physiological and pathological implications of cholesterol.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of biological mechanisms and animal model findings without new human data
PubMed 24389193 · doi:10.2741/4216
What was done
Narrative review summarizing the biophysical, cellular, endocrine, and pathological roles of cholesterol, drawing on findings from genetic and pharmacologic animal models.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data. It outlines that cholesterol increases cell membrane stiffness and impermeability, integrates into lipid-protein signaling microdomains, and acts as the essential precursor for steroid hormones (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones), vitamin D, and bile acids. It also summarizes that homeostatic failure leading to excessive or deficient tissue cholesterol causes embryonic or adult diseases in animal models.
Why it matters
Provides a foundational overview of cholesterol's structural, metabolic, and signaling functions, linking molecular mechanisms to systemic pathology.
Limits
The abstract is a narrative review with no systematic search methodology, no quantitative metrics, and no direct human clinical data.
Cited by
- supports Cholesterol is required to build cell membranes, synthesize steroid hormones, make vitamin D, and produce bile salts.