As atherosclerosis has become such a prevalent cause of heart attack and stroke in the United States, more research dollars are spent investigating the dynamic process of plaque formation. It is known that atherosclerotic plaques contain high amounts of cholesterol, especially LDL (the bad cholesterol). They have also been shown to contain high levels of non-LDL cholesterol, including plant sterols.
Recent research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology investigated the possible role that plant sterols may play in the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries.
Researchers measured the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines as well as the relative intake of cholesterol and plant sterols. They also measured the levels in the serum and in the subsequent plaques on the walls of the carotid arteries.
The results of the study show that as the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine increases so does that of plant sterols. Increased absorption of plant sterols also results in increased deposition of plant sterols in the atherosclerotic plaque.
More research is needed to understand the disease process and whether or not plant sterols can positively or negatively influenced the formation of plaques, which may block blood vessels and cause heart attack and stroke.
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