Intralumenal Effects on Cholesterol Absorption/Synthesis

Detailed Summary

The overall goal of this study is to better understand how cholesterol is absorbed and utilized in the body(metabolism) and how serum cholesterol affects the development of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The purpose of aim 1 is to assess the role of the amount of different bile acids in the intestine and how they affect the absorption, synthesis and digestion of cholesterol. The effect that these bile acids have on how fast the gall bladder empties and the release of a hormone in the blood after a meal will also be studied. The purpose of aim 2 is to assess the role of phospholipid (a fat containing the element phosphorus) in the intestine and how it affects the absorption, synthesis and digestion of cholesterol in normal people and in people with a genetic condition (mdr3 deficiency)that affects phospholipid and bile acid metabolism. The purpose of aim 3 is to assess the role of a material that acts like a detergent called Pluronic F-68 which is known to block the absorption of cholesterol. The purpose of aim 4 is to determine if the cholesterol from food and the cholesterol made by the body are digested and absorbed differently.

Study Details

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Interventions