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Katariina Öörni: Role of Cholesterol Absorption Efficiency in Atherosclerosis
Apr 12, 2026, 21:15

Katariina Öörni: Role of Cholesterol Absorption Efficiency in Atherosclerosis

Katariina Öörni, Professor of Integrative Physiology at University of Helsinki, shared a post on LinkedIn about a recent article she and her colleagues co-authored:

“Our latest study, published in the JIM – Journal of Internal Medicine, examines the role of cholesterol absorption efficiency in atherosclerosis.

Traditionally, CVD risk assessment focuses on circulating cholesterol levels, but how cholesterol is handled in the body may be as important.

We observed that:

Individuals with high cholesterol absorption efficiency had

  • increased LDL aggregation susceptibility
  • increased proteoglycan-binding efficiency

despite similar LDL-cholesterol levels between high and low cholesterol absorbers.

High cholesterol absorption efficiency was associated with distinct LDL lipidome.

Why this matters

The functional properties of LDL particles related to particle aggregation and binding to proteoglycans play a role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques.

Our data may help explain why:

  • Some individuals develop ASCVD despite ‘normal’ lipid profiles
  • Measurement of LDL-cholesterol alone does not fully capture cardiovascular risk

A shift in perspective

Instead of focusing solely on LDL concentration, we may need to think more about:

  • LDL function
  • Lipid composition

This is where lipidomics and mechanistic studies can meaningfully complement clinical lipid measurements.”

 

Title: High cholesterol absorption efficiency enhancesproatherogenic properties of low-density lipoproteinparticles

Authors: Katariina Öörni, Lauri Äikäs, Maija Ruuth, Feven Tigistu-Sahle, Reijo Käkelä, Ingmar Wester, Helena Gylling, Piia Simonen

Read the Full Article on JIM

Katariina Öörni

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