Lipoprotein group
Lipoproteins are complexes of lipids and proteins (apolipoproteins) that transport cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids in blood plasma. Depending on their density and composition, there are several main classes of lipoproteins, each of which plays a specific role in fat metabolism and may be associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The main fractions of lipoproteins:
Chylomicrons
- Transport dietary triglycerides from the intestine to tissues
- Elevated levels are found in lipolysis disorders and hereditary hyperlipidaemia
Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)
- Transport endogenous triglycerides from the liver
- Elevated levels are associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL)
- Intermediate product of VLDL metabolism
- Normally rapidly converted to LDL
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL, "bad" cholesterol)
- Main transporter of cholesterol to tissues
- Elevated levels are associated with atherosclerosis and the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
High-density lipoproteins (HDL, "good" cholesterol)
- Participate in the reverse transport of cholesterol from tissues to the liver
- Elevated levels reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Clinical significance:
Determining lipoproteins and their ratios allows you to:
- Identify fat metabolism disorders (dyslipidaemia)
- Assess the risks of cardiovascular disease
- Monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy
- Perform differential diagnosis of hereditary forms of hyperlipidaemia