Cholesterol is an important component of mammalian cell membranes where it functions in intracellular transport, cell signaling, and maintaining membrane fluidity. Within the blood, cholesterol circulates as both the free acid and as cholesterol esters. Controlling serum cholesterol has an important therapeutic role as elevated cholesterol levels are associated with the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular pathologies. Recent evidence suggests a disturbance of cholesterol homeostasis contributes to the development of a chronic inflammatory state.
Cholesterol is predominantly produced in the liver. Abnormal cholesterol levels are implicated in coronary heart disease. Cholesterol is associated with breast cancer progression or inhibition. Tumor cells are capable of synthesizing their own cholesterol, which aids in cell proliferation. Increased cholesterol level is observed in cancers, especially in prostate cancer. Elevated serum cholesterol is observed in obesity.
