The impact of phytosterols on the healthy and diseased brain.

The impact of phytosterols on the healthy and diseased brain.
Curr Med Chem. 2018 Jul 05;:
Authors: Dierckx T, Bogie JFJ, Hendriks JA
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is the most cholesterol-rich organ in mammals. Cholesterol homeostasis is essential for proper brain functioning and dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism can lead to neurological problems. Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are examples of neurological diseases that are characterized by a disturbed cholesterol metabolism. Phytosterols (PS) are plant-derived components that structurally and functionally resemble cholesterol. PS are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties. Due to their ability to reach the brain, researchers have started to investigate the physiological role of PS in the CNS. In this review, the metabolism and function of PS in the diseased and healthy CNS are discussed.
PMID: 29984647 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry - July 5, 2018 Category: Chemistry Authors: Dierckx T, Bogie JFJ, Hendriks JA Tags: Curr Med Chem Source Type: research