Английская Википедия:Cholesterol crystal
A cholesterol crystal is a solid, crystalline form of cholesterol found in gallstones and atherosclerosis. Gallstones occurring in industrialized societies typically contain more than 70-90% cholesterol by weight, much of which is crystalline.[1] Cholesterol crystals are a hallmark of atherosclerosis, which is believed to be an early cause of atherosclerotic inflammation.[2] Cholesterol phase transition from liquid to crystalline form is linked to inflammation.[3] Cholesterol crystals are believed to induce inflammation by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.[4][5]
In addition to being a source of inflammation, cholesterol crystals are believed to cause mechanical injury by tearing tissue, causing plaque rupture.[6] Impaired removal of cholesterol crystals from demyelinated nerves by macrophages is believed to be associated with multiple sclerosis, and this remyelination failure is particularly impaired in the elderly.[7][8]
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