PHYSICIAN BULLETIN                                                                January 2004  

A NEW APPLICATION of the LDL/HDL RATIO  

Cholesterol is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent. Cholesterol in the tissues binds C-20 pro-inflammatory fatty acids, including the leukotrienes and the prostaglandin E2's. When cholesterol binds the inflammatory fatty acids it neutralizes them. Once neutralized the fatty acids no longer generate free radicals.  

The amount of cholesterol in the tissues "controls" the amount of free radicals. You want enough free radicals to destroy damaged tissues or pathogens when needed. Too many free radicals, however, lead to chronic inflammation and eventually to destruction of tissues (e.g., tendons), glands (e.g., thyroid) and organs (e.g., intestines)...a.k.a. auto-immune disease. Therefore you want the right amount of cholesterol in the tissues to ensure the right amount of free radical activity.  

LDL cholesterol is the package that delivers cholesterol to the tissues. HDL is the package that removes cholesterol from the tissues. If the total cholesterol is between 170 and 210, an LDL/HDL ratio between 1.8 and 2.7 assures the right amount of cholesterol, and hence the right amount of free radical activity, in the tissues.