Lecture on Steroids and Cholesterol

Overview of Fats

• Types of Fats Discussed
  • Saturated Fatty Acids
  • Unsaturated Fatty Acids
  • Prostaglandins
  • Triglycerides
  • Phospholipids
  • Steroids (current focus)

Hormones

• Definition: Chemicals secreted into the bloodstream that cause changes in the body
• Two Major Categories
  • Steroid Hormones
  • Protein Hormones

Steroid Hormones

• Origin: Made from cholesterol
• Sources of Cholesterol
  • Found in animal products (meat, fish, eggs, milk)
  • Not found in plant products
  • Synthesized in the liver from saturated fatty acids
• Importance
  • Essential for making steroid hormones
  • Too much cholesterol leads to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)

Cholesterol

• Structure
  • Composed of carbon chains and hydrogen atoms
  • Forms ring structures
• Functions
  • Precursor for steroid hormones

Effects of Cholesterol

• Excessive Levels
  • High cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular issues
  • Dietary recommendations: reduce intake of high-cholesterol and saturated fat foods

Steroid Hormones Examples

• Examples and Functions
  • Testosterone: Male sex hormone, promotes muscle and bone growth, increases metabolic rate
  • Estrogen: Female sex hormone, promotes feminine characteristics
  • Progesterone: Prepares the body for pregnancy
  • Cortisol and Cortisone: Glucocorticoids, involved in stress response and blood sugar regulation
  • Calciferol (Vitamin D): Essential for calcium absorption, synthesized in skin with sunlight

Key Differences in Hormone Effects

• Minor differences in chemical structure lead to significant differences in effect
• Testosterone vs. Estrogen: Different impacts on body functions

Statins

• Function: Inhibit enzyme converting saturated fats to cholesterol
• Purpose: Lower cholesterol levels in the body

Additional Notes

• Mineralocorticoids: Regulate mineral balance, specifically sodium and potassium
• Androgenic Hormones: Promote masculinizing effects
• Vitamin D in Milk: Marketed as vitamin rather than a steroid hormone for public acceptance

Conclusion

• Cholesterol and steroid hormones are vital for various bodily functions but require regulation to prevent health issues such as atherosclerosis.