Anti-cholesterol

Anti-cholesterol is a naturally-occurring antibody to cholesterol produced by mammals. It is believed that this antibody serves a ‘housekeeping’ or protective role for the host animal, helping to protect the animal from harmful forms of cholesterol such as LDL and VLDL.

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Sensitivity Test

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Safe Weighing Range Ensures Accurate Results

Modes of Action

An immunoglobulin protein, anti-cholesterol may be found both in circulation as well as in the digestive tract.

• In circulation, this antibody binds selectively to the small, dense, oxidized cholesterol-rich LDL particles that are known to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. The antibody does not bind the good forms of cholesterol such as HDL.

• In the gastrointestinal tract, the antibody acts as a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. The antibody selectively binds to cholesterol-rich micelles and prevents their uptake by the intestinal enterocyte. The antibody-bound micelle is then removed through fecal clearance.

References

• Interaction of anti-cholesterol antibodies with human lipoproteins. Dijkstra J, Swartz GM Jr, Raney JJ, Aniagolu J, Toro L, Nacy CA, Green SJ. J Immunol. 1996 Sep 1;157(5):2006-13.

• Immunization with cholesterol-rich liposomes induces anti-cholesterol antibodies and reduces diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and plaque formation. Alving CR, Swartz GM Jr, Wassef NM, Ribas JL, Herderick EE, Virmani R, Kolodgie FD, Matyas GR, Cornhill JF. J Lab Clin Med. 1996 Jan;127(1):40-9.