A PROPOSED MECHANISM FOR THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DIETARY FATS ON SOME ASPECTS OF CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM

Abstract

To explain the effect of dietary cholesterol and different fats on serum cholesterol concentration a hypothesis is proposed according to which the condition for the absorption of dietary cholesterol is its state of solution in dietary or endogenous fats. Dietary fats, free from cholesterol, exert their effect on serum cholesterol concentration by causing reabsorption of biliary or endogenous cholesterol. To test this hypothesis the solubility of cholesterol in a number of natural and modified triglyceride fats at 37 °C was determined and found to correlate with the effects of these fats on the serum cholesterol concentration of rats and man. Relatively high solubilities were associated with high serum levels and vice versa. Artificial modification of both unsaponifiable matter and fatty acids of triglyceride oils was found to alter the solubility of cholesterol in these oils. The solubility concept is discussed as a possible mechanism underlying the effect of different dietary fats on serum cholesterol concentration and other aspects of cholesterol metabolism such as absorption, excretion, and liver synthesis.