Multiple Sclerosis and Cholesterol Metabolism

Adult lipid metabolism consists of plasma lipids. Triglycerides are the most important sources of energy reserves, while phospholipids and cholesterol are key components of organelles and cell membranes. Lipids, especially cholesterol, are involved in many cellular functions. Various neurodegenerative cellular processes can develop in metabolism disorders. Neurons have significantly different lipid composition compared to other biological membranes. These differences and the role of these lipids in neuronal pathologies are still poorly understood. Studies on lipid molecules in MS date back four decades. Studies on apolipoprotein alterations, plasma lipoproteins and oxysterols have attracted attention. It is thought that impaired cholesterol metabolism may play a role in both the inflammatory and neurodegenerative pathogenesis of the disease and its correction may favorably affect the progression steps in the clinical course of MS, which is still the most limited point for treatment. In this review, the immunopathogenesis and clinical manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis and alterations in cholesterol metabolism are presented.