A protein found in the blood lymph and plasma which combines with fats such as cholesterol. It is important for transport of fats in the lymph vessels and blood stream.
High density lipoproteins (HDLs) are blood-fats known to delay deposits of cholesterol on blood vessels, while low density lipoproteins (LDLs) have the opposite effect.
See: HYPERLIPIDAEMIA. HYPERCHOLESTEROLAEMIA. CHOLESTEROL.
Particles comprising a fatty core and protein outer layer (apoliprotein) that allow the transport of fats in the bloodstream.
Genetic variations in the structure of apoliproteins and lipoproteins play an important part in determining susceptibility to cardiovascular disorders and Alzheimer’s disease.
n. one of a group of compounds, found in blood plasma and lymph, each consisting of a protein (see apolipoprotein) combined with a lipid (which may be cholesterol, a triglyceride, or a phospholipid). Lipoproteins are important for the transport of lipids in the blood and lymph (see also lipoprotein lipase). See chylomicron; high-density lipoprotein; low-density lipoprotein; very low-density lipoprotein. See also hyperlipidaemia.
Compounds containing lipids and proteins (see LIPID; PROTEIN). Most lipids in blood PLASMA are present in this form and are characterised according to their densities: 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 (see HEART, DISEASES OF).... lipoproteins
(VLDL) a *lipoprotein that is the precursor of *low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Containing triglycerides and cholesterol, it is produced in the liver and circulates in the bloodstream, where its triglycerides are hydrolysed to free fatty acids by *lipoprotein lipase. The remaining lipoprotein becomes progressively denser and richer in cholesterol to form LDL.... very low-density lipoprotein
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