Free cholesterol, cholesterol precursor and plant sterol levels in atherosclerotic plaques are independently associated with symptomatic advanced carotid artery stenosis

Background and aims Circulating sterols result either from cholesterol (CH) synthesis or intestinal uptake. They are mainly esterified and can be oxygenated. Sterols accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques whereby their clinical impact is uncertain. Here, we determined associations between circulating and plaque sterol levels in patients with advanced carotid artery stenosis in respect to a prior ischemic event and statin treatment. Methods Free...