Packages oi proteins, cholesterol, and triglycerides assembled by the intestine and liver that circulate in the bloodstream. One of their chief functions is to carry cholesterol.
Molecular structures comprised of proteins and cholesterol. There are two kinds: (a) high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and (b) low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL appears to be associated with atherosclerosis as it has a tendency to accumulate in the inner lining of arteries.
A protein which combines with lipids and carries them in the bloodstream and lymph system.
Lipoproteins are multicomponent complexes of lipids and protein that form distinct molecular aggregates with approximate stoichiometry between each of the components. They contain polar and neutral lipids, cholesterol, or cholesterol esters in addition to protein. The protein and lipid are held together by noncovalent forces. The protein component (apolipoprotein) is located on the outer surface of the micellar lipid structure, where it serves a hydrophilic function. Lipids, which are primarily hydrophobic molecules, are not easily transported through an aqueous environment such as blood. However, when they combine with proteins, the resulting compound becomes hydrophilic and can be transported in the blood to tissue, which can use or store these lipids. Membrane lipoproteins, like glycoproteins, are essential components of membrane transport systems and as such are important in the overall regulation of cellular activity.
Lipoproteins are compound lipids deriving their name from their two primary components: lipids and proteins. The proteins that are constituents of lipoproteins are called apolipoproteins, sometimes shortened as apoproteins. Apoproteins serve a variety of roles including allowing transport of lipids within an aqueous environment, receptor recognition, and participating in a variety of biochemical reactions. Many lipids are transported as parts of the various lipoproteins. The lipids producing the majority of mass in a lipoprotein include triglycerides, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and phospholipids. Primary classes of lipoproteins include chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and high density lipoproteins (HDL).
Fatty acid fractions found in blood; elevated in certain diseases such as atherosclerosis.
A substance that is made of varying amounts of cholesterol, triglycerides, lipids, and protein. Since fats are not soluble in water, lipoproteins carry fats through the blood.
One of a group of proteins, found in blood plasma and lymph, that are combined with fats or other lipids (such as cholesterol). Lipoproteins are important for the transport of lipids in the blood and lymph.
Compounds containing lipids and proteins. Most lipids in blood plasma are present in this form, and are characterized, according to their densities, as very low (VLDL), intermediate (IDL), low (LD), high (HDL) and very high (VHDL). Concentrations of lipoproteins are key factors in assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Conjugated chemicals in the bloodstream consisting of simple proteins bound to fat. Cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides are all fatty components of lipoproteins. Analyzing the concentrations and proportions of lipoproteins in the blood can provide important information about patients’ risks of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and death.
Allows cholesterol to dissolve in the blood and carries it through the bloodstream to all parts of the body; two main types are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
The amalgamation of a protein and a lipid (fats) forms a compound of chemical nature.
A minute entity comprising a fatty center enveloped by a water-soluble type of fat (referred to chemically as a phospholipid) and a protein (called apoprotein). Lipoproteins serve as the medium through which fats are conveyed within the bloodstream.