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.

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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.