Glycolipid: From 1 Different Sources
n. a *lipid containing a sugar molecule (usually galactose or glucose). The *cerebrosides are examples of glycolipids.
A substance which is insoluble in water, but soluble in fat solvents such as alcohol and ether. The main lipid groups are the triglycerides, phospholipids, and glycolipids. They play an important role in nutrition, health (particularly in the functioning of the cell membranes, and the immune response), and disease (notably cardiovascular disease). There is a strong correlation between the concentration of CHOLESTEROL in the blood (transported as lipoproteins) and the risk of developing ATHEROMA and coronary heart disease (see HEART, DISEASES OF). Lipoproteins are classi?ed by their density and mobility, the chief groups being low-density (LDL) and high-density (HDL). High SERUM concentrations of LDL increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, while HDL is thought to protect the vessel wall by removing cholesterol, and has an inverse relationship to risk. The various serum lipid abnormalities have been classi?ed into ?ve groups, according to the cause and particular lipoprotein raised. Most important are type II (increased LDL, genetically determined) and type IV (increased VLDL, associated with obesity, diabetes, and excess alcohol). Various lipid-lowering drugs are available, but any drug treatment must be combined with a strict diet, reduction of blood pressure, and cessation of smoking.... lipid
n. one of a group of compounds occurring in the *myelin sheaths of nerve fibres. They are *glycolipids, containing a sphingolipid bound to a sugar, usually galactose (in galactocerebrosides) or glucose (in glucocerebrosides).... cerebroside
a rare fatal hereditary (autosomal *recessive) condition causing enlargement of the liver and spleen, albinism, and abnormalities of the eye. It is thought to be due to a disorder of glycolipid metabolism. [A. Chediak (20th century), Cuban physician; O. Higashi (20th century) Japanese paediatrician]... chediak–higashi syndrome
n. one of a group of *glycolipids found in the brain, liver, spleen, and red blood cells (they are particularly abundant in nerve cell membranes). Gangliosides are chemically similar to *cerebrosides but contain additional carbohydrate groups.... ganglioside
(PAS reaction) a test for the presence of glycoproteins, polysaccharides, certain mucopolysaccharides, glycolipids, and certain fatty acids in tissue sections. The tissue is treated with periodic acid, followed by *Schiff’s reagent. A positive reaction is the development of a red or magenta coloration.... periodic acid–schiff reaction
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