Cholesterol linoleate

Cholesterol linoleate is a model system that is used to study the role of cholesterol in atherosclerosis. It consists of a cholesterol-based polymer and linoleic acid, which are chemically similar to the natural lipids found in human cells. In vitro studies have shown that this model system has an inhibitory effect on ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1. These proteins transport cholesterol from cellular membranes to other parts of the cell, where they are degraded by enzymes called lysosomes. Cholesterol linoleate also inhibits basic protein, an enzyme that breaks down cholesteryl, leading to reduced levels of cholesteryl esters in the atheromatous lesions. This model system has been shown to reduce disease activity in animals with atherosclerotic lesions.