Cholesterol is a molecule with a molecular weight of 386.65 g/mol and consists of a carbon backbone with a hydroxyl group and double bonds. It is transported in the blood by lipoproteins, mainly by LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to the tissues, while HDL removes cholesterol from peripheral tissues and returns it to the liver. Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism can lead to the development of various health conditions, such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, and ischemic heart disease.
