Our laboratory is interested in understanding the role of exogenous and endogenous cholesterol during different stages of growth. It has been known for many years that the synthesis rates of cholesterol in the fetus, the placenta and the yolk sac were very high when compared to adult tissues. We are presently trying to elucidate the mechanisms by which cholesterol is removed from the maternal circulation by these fetal tissues and determine if and how the transport can be regulated. Neonates require lipids, such as cholesterol, essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins, for optimal growth. Our goal is to better understand the process of lipid absorption in the neonate and determine dietary manipulations that can enhance the process when needed, such as the short bowel syndrome.
Sterol balance is the flux of sterol through the body.
An animal with a high flux rate is usually non-responsive to dietary cholesterol. We are presently measuring flux rates of sterol and triglyceride under different metabolic conditions, such as pregnancy, and dietary manipulations, such as phytoestrogen. Recent Publications 1. McConihay JA, Honkomp AM, Granholm NA, Woollett LA . J. Lipid Res.