Lipids Biochemistry Flashcards
What is xanthelasma?
Yellow deposit of cholesterol underneath the skin. Usually on or around the eyelids
What is xanthelasma result of?
High levels of cholesterol in bloodstream
Describe cholesterol
White crystalline
Soft yellow appearance
What chemical group does cholesterol contain and why is this important?
Hydroxyl group
Very fat soluble
Are the rings of cholesterol planar?
NO
What is “stacking”?
Sit on top of each other
Can cholesterol stack?
YES
Forms crystals in blood + urine
What happens when cholesterol is in the blood?
Cause precipitation
Coagulation
Blood vessel blockage
Heart disease
How do you form cholesterol?
3 molecules of acetic acid activated Becomes acetyl CoA Combine using HMG-CoA reductase Form mevalonic acid Converted to cholesterol
What is HMG-CoA reductase?
Enzyme in mevalonic acid pathway (produce cholesterol)
What do drugs do that lower cholesterol?
Inhibit HMGCR = lower serum cholesterol = reduce cardiovascular diseases
What are examples of statins
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Fluvastatin (Lescol)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Describe statins
All share similarities with mevalonic acid
Block HMG-CoAR
What are the best statins + why?
Rosuvastatin, Pitavastatin + Atorvastatin
= tightest bound to enzyme = best at reducing cholesterol
What is acetic acid?
2 carbon
Vinegar
When are fatty acids saturated?
C=O
When are fatty acids unsaturated?
C=C
What can long chain fatty acids do?
Stack = form crystalline solids
Why is olive oi liquid at RT?
Contains oleic acid = cis C=C = "kink" in the chain = no stacking = no crystalline solid