What does unesterified cholesterol mean?

Cholesterol is present as unesterified (free) and esterified portions in the body fluids (1). Free cholesterol is biologically active and has cytotoxic effects whereas cholesteryl ester (CE) is protective form for storage in the cells and transporting in plasma (23).

What enzyme breaks down cholesterol ester?

Intracellular cholesterol esterification, catalyzed by the enzyme ACAT (see previous discussion), is an important mechanism to prevent excessive cellular levels of FC, which can be toxic to cells.

What is the difference between cholesterol and cholesteryl esters?

Cholesterol is an important sterol component in animals. The key difference between cholesterol and cholesteryl esters is the active and the inactive forms. Cholesterol is an active sterol form whereas cholesteryl ester is an inactive esterified form in which cholesterol is transported in the circulatory system.

How is cholesteryl ester formed?

Cholesteryl esters have a lower solubility in water due to their increased hydrophobicity. Esters are formed by replacing at least one –OH (hydroxyl) group with an –O–alkyl (alkoxy) group. They are hydrolyzed by pancreatic enzymes, cholesterol esterase, to produce cholesterol and free fatty acids.

What does Unesterified mean?

: not esterified unesterified cholesterol.

What bonds hold triglycerides together?

A triglyceride is formed when 1 glycerol molecule links with 3 fatty acid molecules by means of ester bond(covalent bond), in a condensation reaction.

What is the meaning of esterified?

Esterification is a chemical reaction that forms at least one ester (= a type of compound produced by reaction between acids and alcohols). Esters are produced when acids are heated with alcohols in a process called esterification. Esterification is a chemical reaction that forms at least one ester.

What are unesterified fatty acids?

Unesterified (free) fatty acids are released into plasma from the triacylglycerols of adipose tissue, and are thence transported to other tissues where they are utilized as a source of energy (see our web page on acylcarnitines, for example), for the synthesis of structural and storage lipids, or for the biosynthesis …

What is non esterified free fatty acid?

Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are molecules released from triglycerides by the action of the enzyme lipase and are transported in the blood bound to albumin. They contribute only a small proportion of the body’s fat; however provide a large part of the body’s energy.

What is ApoA1 and ApoA2?

ApoA1 and ApoA2, in charge of transporting cholesterol to the liver, are critical components in the formation of HDL [38. J.