Cholesterol is a waxy, soft, fat-like substance found in all parts of the body that does not dissolve in water or blood. Esters of cholesterol derive from molecules that contain a carbon atom, two oxygen atoms and a hydrogen atom. Cholesterol esters make up about two thirds of the cholesterol in blood, and the body needs cholesterol, but if too much accumulates in the blood, it tends to form fatty streaks and lesions in arteries.
History
The first isolation of cholesterol from gallstones occurred in 1784, but it wasn't until the 1930s that its complicated structure became more fully understood. Then in the 1940s, Konrad Bloch at Harvard University determined most of the steps as to how the body makes cholesterol and cholesterol esters.
Chemists and biochemists have spent years studying the many enzyme-catalyzed steps that result in the synthesis of cholesterol, according to Rodney Boyer in the text "Concepts in Biochemistry." Thirteen chemists have won Nobel prizes for their work in studying the complexities of cholesterol and cholesterol ester molecules, how they function and how they impact health.
Identification
Cholesterol esters form from the chemical reaction between an alcohol and an acid. Fatty acid esters of cholesterol have long-chain fatty acids attached.
Function
Cholesterol esters appear to be more often used for transport and storage than free cholesterol. Unlike cholesterol, cholesterol esters do not become incorporated into cell membranes, but rather pack into fat particles within cells, according to the American Oil Chemists Society.
Significance
Cholesterol esters form by the transfer of fatty acids to cholesterol. The long chains of fatty acids that are part of cholesterol esters make their ability to dissolve in blood very low. Cholesterol esters, according to the National Library of Medicine, accumulate in the walls of arteries.
Effects
Over time, the buildup of plaque from fat, cholesterol, cholesterol esters and calcium in the arterial walls results in the disease called atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, limiting the flow of blood to the heart, brain and other parts of the body. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, serious health problems associated with this limited blood flow include heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
References
- "Concepts in Biochemistry"; Rodney Boyer; 2002
- American Oil Chemists Society Lipid Library: Cholesterol and Cholesterol Esters
- National Library of Medicine: Cholesterol Esters
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Atherosclerosis
