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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Cholesterol's Location In Lipid Bilayers, Drew Marquardt, Norbert Kučerka, Stephen R. Wassall, Thad A. Harroun, John Katsaras
Cholesterol's Location In Lipid Bilayers, Drew Marquardt, Norbert Kučerka, Stephen R. Wassall, Thad A. Harroun, John Katsaras
Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications
It is well known that cholesterol modifies the physical properties of lipid bilayers. For example, the much studied liquid-ordered Lo phase contains rapidly diffusing lipids with their acyl chains in the all trans configuration, similar to gel phase bilayers. Moreover, the Lo phase is commonly associated with cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts, which are thought to serve as platforms for signaling proteins in the plasma membrane. Cholesterol's location in lipid bilayers has been studied extensively, and it has been shown – at least in some bilayers – to align differently from its canonical upright orientation, where its hydroxyl group is in the …
Neutron Scattering At The Intersection Of Heart Health Science And Biophysics, Drew Marquardt, Richard J. Alsop, Maikel C. Rheinstädter, Thad A. Harroun
Neutron Scattering At The Intersection Of Heart Health Science And Biophysics, Drew Marquardt, Richard J. Alsop, Maikel C. Rheinstädter, Thad A. Harroun
Chemistry and Biochemistry Publications
There is an urgent quest for improved heart health. Here, we review how neutron radiation can provide insight into the molecular basis of heart health. Lower cholesterol, a daily intake of aspirin and supplemental vitamin E are argued to all improve heart health. However, the mechanisms behind these common regimens, and others, are not entirely understood. It is not clear why a daily intake of aspirin can help some people with heart disease, and the benefits of vitamin E in the treatment of reperfusion injury have been heavily debated. The molecular impact of cholesterol in the body is still a …
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
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 …