Serum cholesterol precursor and plant sterol levels indicate increased de novo cholesterol synthesis and decreased intestinal cholesterol absorption in German gallstone patients

Aims: In humans new cholesterol derives from de novo synthesis and intestinal absorption. Serum cholesterol precursor (e.g., lathosterol, lanosterol) and plant sterol levels (e.g., sitosterol, campesterol) represent valid surrogate marker for cholesterol biosynthesis and intestinal absorption, respectively. Here we investigate if cholesterol biosynthesis and transport differ between gallstone patients and gallstone-free individuals. Patients and methods: Our study group consisted of 112 gallstone patients (confirmed by ultrasound or cholecystectomy, age range 33–84 years, n=66 females) and 152 stone-free control…