Cholesterol/Cholesteryl Ester Assay Kit - Detection

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Cholesterol/cholesteryl ester (CE) plays a mechanical role in the body by transporting lipids. Known also as 'cholesteryl esters' these molecules consist of cholesterol bound to long-chain fatty acids. CE exhibits a molecular mass that varies depending on the fatty acid chain length. These molecules are typically found within plasma and intracellular lipid droplets in tissues such as the liver and intestines. They mediate cholesterol transport and storage maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis.

Biological function summary

Cholesteryl esters facilitate cholesterol influx and efflux by serving as precursor molecules for various hormones and vitamin D. They do not exist in isolation but rather as part of larger lipid complexes including chylomicrons very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). These lipid complexes play an essential role in delivering cholesterol to peripheral tissues and returning excess to the liver for excretion or reprocessing.

Pathways

Cholesteryl esters are involved in lipid metabolism processes such as the reverse cholesterol transport and the esterification of cholesterol through the action of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). This esterification process converts free cholesterol into cholesteryl esters facilitating their transport within lipoproteins. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) serves as a pathway partner circulating cholesteryl esters back to the liver where they undergo hydrolysis and re-utilization.

Associated diseases and disorders

Cholesteryl esters are significant in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Dysregulation of CE metabolism can lead to the accumulation of lipid-rich plaques in blood vessel walls catalyzed by proteins like apolipoproteins such as ApoB-100 and ApoE. Excessive LDL and CE deposition in arterial walls are associated with plaque formation culminating in cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the role of these compounds and their associated pathways is important for developing treatments against lipid disorders.