Cholesterol metabolism: A review of how ageing disrupts the biological mechanisms responsible for its regulation

Morgan, A.E.; Mooney, K.M.; Wilkinson, S.J.; Pickles, N.A.; Mc Auley, M.T.

Abstract

Cholesterol plays a vital role in the human body as a precursor of steroid hormones and bile acids, in addition to providing structure to cell membranes. Whole body cholesterol metabolism is maintained by a highly coordinated balancing act between cholesterol ingestion, synthesis, absorption, and excretion. The aim of this review is to discuss how ageing interacts with these processes. Firstly, we will present an overview of cholesterol metabolism. Following this, we discuss how the biological mechanisms which underpin cholesterol metabolism are effected by ageing. Included in this discussion are lipoprotein dynamics, cholesterol absorption/synthesis and the enterohepatic circulation/synthesis of bile acids. Moreover, we discuss the role of oxidative stress in the pathological progression of atherosclerosis and also discuss how cholesterol biosynthesis is effected by both the mammalian target of rapamycin and sirtuin pathways. Next, we examine how diet and alterations to the gut microbiome can be used to mitigate the impact ageing has on cholesterol metabolism. We conclude by discussing how mathematical models of cholesterol metabolism can be used to identify therapeutic interventions.

Citation

Morgan, A., Mooney, K., Wilkinson, S., Pickles, N., & Mc Auley, M. (2016). Cholesterol metabolism: A review of how ageing disrupts the biological mechanisms responsible for its regulation. Ageing research reviews, 27, 108-124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2016.03.008

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 30, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Apr 1, 2016
• Publication Date: Apr 9, 2016
• Deposit Date: Aug 22, 2024
• Journal: Ageing Research Reviews
• Print ISSN: 1568-1637
• Electronic ISSN: 1872-9649
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Pages: 108-124
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2016.03.008
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Cholesterol metabolism: A review of how ageing disrupts the biological mechanisms responsible for its regulation; Journal Title: Ageing Research Reviews; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2016.03.008; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.