The liver plays a central role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. Under normal
conditions, cholesterol input into the body equals output; cholesterol homeostasis is
maintained. Under pathologic conditions, enhancement of cholesterol input into the liver or a
reduction in hepatic cholesterol output may overwhelm cholesterol homeostatic mechanisms
and potentially result in hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, or cholesterol ch~
lelithiasis.~~, 131 An improved understanding of the mechanisms by which the liver …