Cholesterol and other lipids (None)

Cholesterol is a major sterol lipid found in animal cell membranes and transported in the blood via lipoproteins. Other lipids include triglycerides, phospholipids, and sphingolipids. Cholesterol is essential for membrane structure, serves as a precursor for steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D, and modulates receptor, ion channel, and signaling protein function. Dysregulation of cholesterol and lipid metabolism is central to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and other pathologies. The handling of cholesterol in the body involves several proteins, such as the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoproteins, and enzymes like HMG-CoA reductase—the latter being a major drug target for lipid-lowering therapy[6][4][5][3].

Other names

CholesterolLipidsSterolsLipoproteins"Good cholesterol" (HDL, not the same as cholesterol)"Bad cholesterol" (LDL, not the same as cholesterol)

Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis (statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase)[3] Inhibition of cholesterol absorption (ezetimibe) Promotion of cholesterol excretion (bile acid sequestrants)[5] Enhanced LDL receptor recycling and LDL clearance (PCSK9 inhibitors)[4]