Discovery: In 1769 a French doctor and Chemist by the name of François Poulletier de la Salle discovered Cholesterol in bile and gallstones. Forty-six years later in 1815, Chemist Eugène Chevreul rediscovered the molecule and named it "cholesterine". But, It was Researcher Boudet who was the first to find cholesterol in blood in 1833.
Molecular Formula: C27H46O
Significance:
- Used to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest foods. The human body produces and maintains the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol intake comes from many foods we eat.
- Cholesterol is a lipid which is produced by the liver. Cholesterol is vital for normal body function. Every cell in our body has cholesterol in its outer layer.
Functions and Uses:
- Builds and maintains cell
- Essential for determining which molecules can pass into the cell and which cannot (cell membrane permeability).
- Involved in production of sex hormones (androgens and estrogens).
- Crucial for the production of hormones released by the adrenal glands (such as: cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and others).
- Aids in the production of bile.
- Converts sunshine to vitamin D.
- Key role in metabolism of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Two main types of Lipoproteins are:
• LDL (low density lipoprotein) - known as bad cholesterol, carries cholesterol from the liver to cells. If too much is carried, there is then too much for the cells to use, and can cause a harmful buildup of LDL. This can increase the risk of arterial disease if levels rise too high. Most human blood contains approximately 70% LDL • HDL (high density lipoprotein) - good cholesterol can prevent arterial disease. HDL takes cholesterol away from cells and back to the liver where the excess is either broken down or expelled from the body as waste. |
Harmful Effects
Excess cholesterol can form plaque between layers of artery walls, restricting the blood flow, and thus making it more difficult for your heart to circulate blood. Plaque can break open and cause blood clots. If a clot blocks an artery that feeds the brain, it causes a stroke. If it blocks an artery that feeds the heart, it causes a heart attack. High cholesterol levels can cause: • Atherosclerosis - narrowing of the arteries. • Higher coronary heart disease risk - an abnormality of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. • Heart attack - occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. This causes your heart muscle to die. • Angina - chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough blood. • Other cardiovascular conditions - diseases of the heart and blood vessels. • Stroke/mini-stroke - occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or vein, interrupting the flow to an area of the brain. |
Other Molecules made (with, by, or using) Cholesterol
Cholesterol is the precursor of the five major classes of steroid hormones: progestagens, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens These hormones are molecules that regulate of organismal functions. Progesterone, a progestagen, prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of an ovum. Progesterone is also essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. Cholesterol is essential to the production of androgens and estrogens. These control male secondary sex characteristics and are required for the development of female secondary sex characteristics and also participate in the ovarian cycle, respectively. Glucocorticoids promote the formation of glycogen, aid the break-down of fat and protein, and prevent an inflammatory response and allow animals to respond to stress. Mineralocorticoids increase the consumption of sodium (Na+) and give off potassium (K+) and hydrogen (H+), which then cause an increase in blood volume and blood pressure.
Cholesterol is the precursor of the five major classes of steroid hormones: progestagens, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens These hormones are molecules that regulate of organismal functions. Progesterone, a progestagen, prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation of an ovum. Progesterone is also essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. Cholesterol is essential to the production of androgens and estrogens. These control male secondary sex characteristics and are required for the development of female secondary sex characteristics and also participate in the ovarian cycle, respectively. Glucocorticoids promote the formation of glycogen, aid the break-down of fat and protein, and prevent an inflammatory response and allow animals to respond to stress. Mineralocorticoids increase the consumption of sodium (Na+) and give off potassium (K+) and hydrogen (H+), which then cause an increase in blood volume and blood pressure.
Sources
"The Discovery of Cholesterol." LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 19 Aug. 2015. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
"About Cholesterol." About Cholesterol. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
Berg, Jeremy M. Important Derivatives of Cholesterol Include Bile Salts and Steroid Hormones. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
"The Discovery of Cholesterol." LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 19 Aug. 2015. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
"About Cholesterol." About Cholesterol. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.
Berg, Jeremy M. Important Derivatives of Cholesterol Include Bile Salts and Steroid Hormones. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.