Cholesterol

# What is cholesterol? Contrary to its reputation, cholesterol is an important building block in our body. Cholesterol serves as a starting material for the production of various hormones, as well as the body's own vitamin D production. It is a component of our cell walls and is involved in the production of bile acids. Cholesterol is a fat-like molecule and is bound to specific proteins, so-called lipoproteins, in order to transport it in the bloodstream: - LDL cholesterol: LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein: This type of lipoprotein transports cholesterol from the liver into the body. A high LDL level is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. - HDL cholesterol: HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein: This type of lipoprotein transports cholesterol from the tissue back to the liver. A high HDL level is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. LDL and HDL act as antagonists, with total cholesterol being made up of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and other particles. If LDL cholesterol rises, total cholesterol also rises. Cholesterol is both absorbed through food and produced by the body itself. Cholesterol is only consumed through animal foods with a high fat content such as fatty cheese, fatty meat including offal and fatty sausage or egg yolk. The body's own production of cholesterol takes place in the liver and reacts to a drop in the cholesterol level in the blood. Cholesterol is mainly excreted via the bile by being converted into bile acids. The excretion of cholesterol is an important mechanism for keeping cholesterol levels in balance. In addition to lifestyle, high cholesterol levels can also be familial. Familial hypercholesterolemia is the most common hereditary metabolic disorder. It affects around one in 300 people in Austria. ## Examples of foods high in cholesterol: 60% fat)", menge: "87 mg", }, { key: "meat", name: "High-fat meat (e.g. goose)", menge: "86 mg", }, { key: "sausage", name: "High-fat sausage (e.g. meat loaf)", menge: "77 mg", }, { key: "innerei", name: "Liver", menge: "~320 mg", }, ]} /> ## What is hypercholesterolemia? If the LDL cholesterol level is permanently too high, doctors speak of hypercholesterolemia. The disease usually develops gradually over many years and without symptoms. The first symptoms usually only appear in the form of cardiovascular complaints when the blood vessels are already narrowed (arteriosclerosis). This can then lead to circulatory disorders, vascular occlusion, stroke or heart attack. Possible causes include an unhealthy lifestyle with little exercise, obesity, high alcohol consumption and smoking. Genes also play a role, as shown by familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). > ## Good to know > > The good news: everyone can contribute to lowering their own LDL cholesterol levels. > These include: > > - a plant-based and nutrient-rich diet > - sufficient exercise and regular sport > - Reducing excess weight or maintaining a healthy body weight > - abstaining from nicotine > > Elevated cholesterol levels can also be hereditary. This makes a healthy lifestyle and a balanced, nutritious diet all the more important, as they can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. # What does genetics have to do with it? We are investigating three genes in cholesterol metabolism: The PCSK9 gene (proprotein convertase subtilisin / kexin type 9 gene) carries the blueprint for enzyme PCSK9 in cells. Regardless of its catalytic function, the enzyme binds to the LDL receptors of liver cells. Due to this displacement principle, LDL cholesterol cannot be taken up into the cell and the LDL concentration in the blood rises. Genetic variants of this gene can alter the production of PCSK9 and influence LDL cholesterol levels. - Variant rs11591147 of the PCSK9 gene: The genotypes G/T and G/G show a reduced LDL cholesterol level and up to 30% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. - Variant rs505151 of the PCSK9 gene: Genotypes A/G and G/G show an increased LDL cholesterol level and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The APOB gene (apolipoprotein B gene) carries the blueprint for the protein apolipoprotein B in the cells, which transports LDL cholesterol in the body as a component of the lipoproteins. Genetic variants of the APOB gene can lead to high LDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. - Variant rs693 of the APOB gene: The genotypes with A/G and G/G show a higher LDL cholesterol level, higher triglyceride values and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. - Variant rs6752026 of the APOB gene: The genotypes A/G and A/A show a low LDL cholesterol level. The LDLR gene (low-density lipoprotein receptor gene) carries the blueprint for the low-density lipoprotein receptor in the cells, which binds specifically to LDL particles and takes up the LDL into the cells. The receptor thus plays a decisive role in regulating the amount of cholesterol in the blood. - Variant rs6511720 of the LDLR gene: The genotypes G/T and G/G show a lower LDL cholesterol level and a low risk of cardiovascular disease.