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Lipoprotein

Spherical particle consisting of a hydrophobic core (triglycerides, cholesteryl esters) and amphipathic surface (phospholipids, cholesterol, apolipoproteins) that transports lipids in plasma.

Major classes by density: chylomicrons (intestinal dietary fat transport), VLDL (hepatic triglyceride export), IDL, LDL (cholesterol delivery), HDL (reverse cholesterol transport). Apolipoproteins (apoB, apoA-I, apoE, apoC) direct receptor binding and enzyme activation. LDL-C, apoB, and Lp(a) are the established causal lipoprotein risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 4: Lipids and Lipid Metabolites

    Major classes by density: chylomicrons (intestinal dietary fat transport), VLDL (hepatic triglyceride export), IDL, LDL (cholesterol delivery), HDL (reverse cholesterol transport). Apolipoproteins (apoB, apoA-I, apoE, apoC) direct receptor binding and enzyme activation. LDL-C, apoB, and Lp(a) are the established causal lipoprotein risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Related terms

ApoE, Chylomicron, HDL, LDL