However, inappropriate activation of neuronal programmed cell death in adults may lead to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Recently, Dr. Chang has been investigating the neurotoxicity of cholesterol oxides. High levels of serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein have been associated with the genesis of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases that affect a large number of people in the United States and all over the world. There is strong evidence that cholesterol oxides cause cell death by an induction of programmed cell death. While most research concerning hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis has focused on the cardiovascularsystem, there is evidence that an imbalance of cholesterol homeostasis can lead to severe neurological complications.
Examples range from neuronal dysfunction to significant cell death.
Toxicity of cholesterol oxides on cultured neuroretinal cells. L.Z. Manganese potentiates nitric oxide production by microglia.