Liver-Specific Cholesteryl Ester Hydrolase Deficiency Attenuates Sterol Elimination in the Feces and Increases Atherosclerosis in <i>Ldlr</i> ^−/− Mice

Abstract

Our results demonstrate that hepatic Ces3 modulates the hydrolysis of lipoprotein-delivered CEs and thereby regulates free cholesterol and bile acid secretion into the feces. Therefore, its deficiency results in reduced cholesterol elimination from the body, leading to significant increase in atherosclerosis. Collectively, these data establish the antiatherogenic role of hepatic CE hydrolysis.