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Aspirin Inhibits Formation Of Cholesterol Rafts In Fluid Lipid Membranes, Richard J. Alsop, Laura Toppozini, Drew Marquardt, Norbert Kučerka, Thad A. Harroun, Maikel C. Rheinstädter

Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications

Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a high affinity for phospholipid membranes, altering their structure and biophysical properties. Aspirin has been shown to partition into the lipid head groups, thereby increasing membrane fluidity. Cholesterol is another well known mediator of membrane fluidity, in turn increasing membrane stiffness. As well, cholesterol is believed to distribute unevenly within lipid membranes leading to the formation of lipid rafts or plaques. In many studies, aspirin has increased positive outcomes for patients with high cholesterol. We are interested if these effects may be, at least partially, the result of a non-specific interaction between aspirin …