-
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2023The association between dietary or serum cholesterol and cognitive performance in older adults has not been well-established.
BACKGROUND
The association between dietary or serum cholesterol and cognitive performance in older adults has not been well-established.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the potential association between dietary or serum cholesterol and cognitive performance in the elderly population.
METHODS
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. Diet and supplement cholesterol was estimated based on two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. Cognitive function was assessed using various statistical tests. Poor cognitive performance was defined as scores below the lowest quartile within age groups. Regression models were adjusted for demographic factors, and subgroup analyses were performed for non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) individuals.
RESULTS
Among 759 participants aged 60 years and above, dietary cholesterol was only associated with dietary saturated fatty acids and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There was no evidence of an association between dietary cholesterol and cognitive function, except for NHB individuals, where dietary cholesterol showed a positive correlation with cognitive function. In the overall sample and NHW participants, there were consistent positive associations between serum total cholesterol and cognitive performance across statistical tests, while such associations were rare among NHB individuals. Although not statistically significant, NHB individuals had higher dietary/supplementary/total cholesterol intake compared with NHW individuals.
CONCLUSION
Within the normal range, increasing serum cholesterol may be a potential factor to prevent or relieve cognitive dysfunction. However, ethnic differences should be taken into account when considering the association between cholesterol and cognitive performance.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Cholesterol; Cognition; White
PubMed: 37574736
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-230422 -
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular... Jul 2013Insects cannot synthesize sterols de novo, so they typically require a dietary source. Cholesterol is the dominant sterol in most insects, but because plants contain... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Insects cannot synthesize sterols de novo, so they typically require a dietary source. Cholesterol is the dominant sterol in most insects, but because plants contain only small amounts of cholesterol, plant-feeding insects generate most of their cholesterol by metabolizing plant sterols. Plants almost always contain mixtures of different sterols, but some are not readily metabolized to cholesterol. Here we explore, in two separate experiments, how dietary phytosterols and phytosteroids, in different mixtures, ratios, and amounts, affect insect herbivore sterol/steroid metabolism and absorption; we use two caterpillars species - one a generalist (Heliothis virescens), the other a specialist (Manduca sexta). In our first experiment caterpillars were reared on two tobacco lines - one expressing a typical phystosterol profile, the other expressing high amounts/ratios of stanols and 3-ketosteroids. Caterpillars reared on the control tobacco contained mostly cholesterol, but those reared on the modified tobacco had reduced amounts of cholesterol, and lower total sterol/steroid body profiles. In our second experiment, caterpillars were reared on artificial diets containing known amounts of cholesterol, stigmasterol, cholestanol and/or cholestanone, either singly or in various combinations and ratios. Cholesterol and stigmasterol-reared moths were mostly cholesterol, while cholestanol-reared moths were mostly cholestanol. Moth tissue cholesterol concentration tended to decrease as the ratio of dietary cholestanol and/or cholestanone increased. In both moths cholestanone was metabolized into cholestanol and epicholestanol. Interestingly, M. sexta generated much more cholestanol than epicholestanol, while H. virescens did the opposite. Finally, total tissue steroid levels were significantly reduced in moths reared on diets containing very high levels of cholestanol. We discuss how dietary sterol/steroid structural differences are important with respect to sterol/steroid metabolism and uptake, including species-specific differences.
Topics: Absorption; Animals; Diet; Manduca; Molecular Structure; Moths; Phytosterols; Steroids; Nicotiana
PubMed: 23567589
DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2013.03.012 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Jan 2017Dietary cholesterol and plant sterols differentially modulate cholesterol kinetics and circulating cholesterol. Understanding how healthy individuals with their inherent... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Dietary cholesterol and plant sterols differentially modulate cholesterol kinetics and circulating cholesterol. Understanding how healthy individuals with their inherent variabilities in cholesterol trafficking respond to such dietary sterols will aid in improving strategies for effective cholesterol lowering and alleviation of CVD risk. The objectives of this study were to assess plasma lipid responsiveness to dietary cholesterol v. plant sterol consumption, and to determine the response in rates of cholesterol absorption and synthesis to each sterol using stable isotope approaches in healthy individuals. A randomised, double-blinded, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial (n 49) with three treatment phases of 4-week duration were conducted in a Manitoba Hutterite population. During each phase, participants consumed one of the three treatments as a milkshake containing 600 mg/d dietary cholesterol, 2 g/d plant sterols or a control after breakfast meal. Plasma lipid profile was determined and cholesterol absorption and synthesis were measured by oral administration of [3, 4-13C] cholesterol and 2H-labelled water, respectively. Dietary cholesterol consumption increased total (0·16 (sem 0·06) mmol/l, P=0·0179) and HDL-cholesterol (0·08 (sem 0·03) mmol/l, P=0·0216) concentrations with no changes in cholesterol absorption or synthesis. Plant sterol consumption failed to reduce LDL-cholesterol concentrations despite showing a reduction (6 %, P=0·0004) in cholesterol absorption. An over-compensatory reciprocal increase in cholesterol synthesis (36 %, P=0·0026) corresponding to a small reduction in absorption was observed with plant sterol consumption, possibly resulting in reduced LDL-cholesterol lowering efficacy of plant sterols. These data suggest that inter-individual variability in cholesterol trafficking mechanisms may profoundly impact plasma lipid responses to dietary sterols in healthy individuals.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Biological Transport; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cross-Over Studies; Diet; Double-Blind Method; Food Analysis; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Middle Aged; Phytosterols; Young Adult
PubMed: 28112077
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114516004530 -
Current Opinion in Insect Science Oct 2017Insects cannot synthesize sterols de novo, but like all eukaryotes they use them as cell membrane inserts where they influence membrane fluidity and rigidity. They also... (Review)
Review
Insects cannot synthesize sterols de novo, but like all eukaryotes they use them as cell membrane inserts where they influence membrane fluidity and rigidity. They also use a small amount for metabolic purposes, most notably as essential precursors for steroid hormones. It has been a long-held view that most insects require a small amount of specific sterol (often cholesterol) for metabolic purposes, but for membrane purposes (where the bulk of sterols are used) specificity in sterol structure was less important. Under this model, it was assumed that insects could tolerate mixed-sterol diets as long as a small amount of cholesterol was available. In the current paper this dogma is overturned, using data from plant-feeding insects that were fed mixed-sterol diets with different amounts and ratios of dietary sterols.
Topics: Animals; Cholesterol; Diet; Herbivory; Insecta; Phytosterols; Sterols
PubMed: 29129288
DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.08.001 -
The Journal of Nutrition Oct 2001Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of intestinal sterol absorption at the molecular level. Nuclear hormone receptors (such as liver X receptor,... (Review)
Review
Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of intestinal sterol absorption at the molecular level. Nuclear hormone receptors (such as liver X receptor, farnesoid X receptor and retinoid X receptor) regulate the absorption of dietary sterols by modulating the transcription of several important genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. One of these genes encodes a molecule [adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporter] that transports dietary cholesterol from enterocytes back out to the intestinal lumen, thereby limiting the amount of cholesterol absorbed. ABC transporters also provide an efficient barrier against the absorption of plant sterols. Another key process that affects intestinal sterol absorption is the synthesis of cholesterol esters. Mice lacking the enzyme for cholesterol esterification in the small intestine have a reduced capacity to absorb dietary cholesterol and are protected against diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and gallstone formation. In addition to elucidating some of the molecular mechanisms of sterol absorption, these recent findings may lead to new therapeutic options to treat hypercholesterolemia.
Topics: ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Animals; Cholesterol Esters; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Molecular Biology; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Sterols
PubMed: 11584078
DOI: 10.1093/jn/131.10.2603 -
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal... Nov 202225-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD ) formed via hepatic hydroxylation from vitamin D, cholecalciferol, represents the precursor of the biologically active vitamin D... (Review)
Review
25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD ) formed via hepatic hydroxylation from vitamin D, cholecalciferol, represents the precursor of the biologically active vitamin D hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Due to a higher absorption rate and the omission of one hydroxylation, dietary supplementation of 25-OHD instead of vitamin D is considered to be more efficient as plasma concentrations of 25-OHD are increased more pronounced. The present review summarises studies investigating potential beneficial effects on mineral homeostasis, bone metabolism, health status and performance in sows, piglets and fattening pigs. Results are inconsistent. While most studies could not demonstrate any or only a slight impact of partial or total replacement of vitamin D by 25-OHD , some experiments indicated that 25-OHD might alter physiological processes when animals are challenged, for example, by a restricted mineral supply.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Female; Calcifediol; Cholecalciferol; Diet; Vitamin D; Minerals; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 36045590
DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13768 -
Nutrition Reviews Jan 2007Plant sterols, naturally occurring in foods of plant origin, reduce cholesterol absorption. Experimental studies show plant sterols to be an important part of the... (Review)
Review
Plant sterols, naturally occurring in foods of plant origin, reduce cholesterol absorption. Experimental studies show plant sterols to be an important part of the serum-cholesterol lowering effect of certain diets and dietary components. Epidemiological data show that individuals with higher intakes of plant sterols from their habitual diets have lower serum-cholesterol levels. To date, the role of naturally occurring plant sterols for lowering serum cholesterol has probably been underestimated. The consumption of dietary plant sterols should be a part of dietary advice to patients with hypercholesterolemia and the general public for the prevention and management of coronary heart disease.
Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Cholesterol; Diet; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Intestinal Absorption; Phytosterols; Phytotherapy
PubMed: 17310858
DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2007.tb00266.x -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2019Sterols, especially cholesterol (Chl), are fundamental for animal survival. Insects lacking the ability to synthesize Chl are sterol auxotrophic animals and utilize...
Sterols, especially cholesterol (Chl), are fundamental for animal survival. Insects lacking the ability to synthesize Chl are sterol auxotrophic animals and utilize dietary Chl and phytosterols to survive. The sterols obtained from a diet are distributed to the tissues; however, sterol homeostasis in insect tissues remains to be elucidated. This study sought to understand the sterol characteristics of insect tissues through detailed sterol quantification and statistics. The combination of sterol quantification using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed tissue-specific sterol characteristics in the silkworm, , a phytophagous insect. We found that insect tissues have tissue-intrinsic sterol profiles. The brain has a unique sterol composition as compared to other tissues-high concentration of Chl and less accumulation of phytosterols. Other tissues also have intrinsic sterol characteristics, which when defined by dietary sterols or Chl metabolites, indicate preference for a sterol and consistently manage their own sterol homeostasis. Though most tissues never change sterol profiles during development, the brain drastically changes its sterol profile at the wandering stage, indicating that it could alter sterol composition in preparation for metamorphosis. These results suggest the existence of tissue- and sterol-specific systems for sterol homeostasis in insects.
Topics: Animals; Bombyx; Brain; Cholesterol; Chromatography, Liquid; Hemolymph; Organ Specificity; Sterols; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 31569473
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194840 -
Annual Review of Biochemistry 2011Sterol metabolites are critical signaling molecules that regulate metabolism, development, and homeostasis. Oxysterols, bile acids (BAs), and steroids work primarily... (Review)
Review
Sterol metabolites are critical signaling molecules that regulate metabolism, development, and homeostasis. Oxysterols, bile acids (BAs), and steroids work primarily through cognate sterol-responsive nuclear hormone receptors to control these processes through feed-forward and feedback mechanisms. These signaling pathways are conserved from simple invertebrates to mammals. Indeed, results from various model organisms have yielded fundamental insights into cholesterol and BA homeostasis, lipid and glucose metabolism, protective mechanisms, tissue differentiation, development, reproduction, and even aging. Here, we review how sterols act through evolutionarily ancient mechanisms to control these processes.
Topics: Animals; Energy Metabolism; Evolution, Molecular; Fasting; Glucose; Growth and Development; Homeostasis; Humans; Immunity; Life Expectancy; Lipid Metabolism; Liver X Receptors; Orphan Nuclear Receptors; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Signal Transduction; Sterols
PubMed: 21495846
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-081308-165917 -
Current Pharmaceutical Design 2021Plant-derived sterols, phytosterols, are well known for their cholesterol-lowering activity in serum and their anti-inflammatory activities. Recently, phytosterols have... (Review)
Review
Plant-derived sterols, phytosterols, are well known for their cholesterol-lowering activity in serum and their anti-inflammatory activities. Recently, phytosterols have received considerable attention due to their beneficial effects on various non-communicable diseases, and recommended use as daily dietary components. The signaling pathways mediated in the brain by phytosterols have been evaluated, but little is known about their effects on neuroinflammation, and no clinical studies have been undertaken on phytosterols of interest. In this review, we discuss the beneficial roles of phytosterols, including their attenuating effects on inflammation, blood cholesterol levels, and hallmarks of the disease, and their regulatory effects on neuroinflammatory disease pathways. Despite recent advancements made in phytosterol pharmacology, some critical questions remain unanswered. Therefore, we have tried to highlight the potential of phytosterols as viable therapeutics against neuroinflammation and to direct future research with respect to clinical applications.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cholesterol; Diet; Humans; Phytosterols
PubMed: 32600224
DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200628022812