Factors Affecting Circulating Phytosterol Levels: Toward an Integrated Understanding of Atherogenicity and Atheroprotection by Dietary and Circulating Phytosterols.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Dysfunction of the ATP-binding cassette G5/G8 heterodimier (ABCG5/G8) leads to sitosterolemia, a condition in which premature atherosclerosis is often observed, thereby linking elevated circulating phytosterols to atherogenicity. Conversely, consumption of phytosterols reduces circulating cholesterol levels and, in animal studies, is anti-atherogenic. The debate over phytosterols' benefits vs. harms continues without consensus. Two key issues remain: despite extensive research, the etiology of premature atherosclerosis in sitosterolemia is still uncertain, and discussion of phytosterol atherogenicity has not been grounded in quantitative evidence, hindering true risk assessment.

Recent findings

In this review, we conducted a meta-analysis of circulating cho

SUBMITTER: Nakano T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12540574 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature