Question

Describe the role of different lipoproteins? Explain in details

Answer 1

There are five different types of lipoproteins in the blood, and they are commonly classified according to their density. The main types of lipoproteins that are analyzed in a lipid panel include very low-density lipoproteins (VLDS), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

VERY LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (VLDL) :-

These lipoproteins consist of main triglycerides, some cholesterol molecules, and less protein. 1The more fat a lipoprotein contains, the less density it has. In this case, VLDL is less dense than most lipoproteins because of its high lipid composition. VLDL is made in the liver and is responsible for delivering triglycerides to cells in the body, which is needed for cellular processes. As triglycerides get delivered to cells, VLDL is made up less of fat and more of protein, leaving cholesterol on the molecule.

Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) :-

LDL consists of more cholesterol than triglycerides and protein. Because it contains less lipid and more protein in comparison to Very low density lipoprotein , its density is greater. LDL is responsible for carrying cholesterol to cells that need it. Elevated LDL levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Because increased levels of LDL are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, LDL is also known as the “bad” cholesterol.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL):-

Compared to LDL, HDL consists of less cholesterol and more protein, making these lipoproteins the densest. HDL is made in the liver and in the intestines. It is responsible for carrying cholesterol from cells back to the liver. Because of this, HDL is also considered the “good” cholesterol.

There are also other lipoproteins that also function in transporting fats to cells, but are not commonly measured in a routine lipid panel. These include:

Chylomicrons:

These lipoproteins are the least dense out of all of the lipoproteins. These molecules are primarily made up of triglycerides and a small amount of protein. Chylomicrons are responsible for transporting lipids from the intestinal tract to cells in the body.

Intermediate Density Lipoprotein (IDL):

These lipoproteins are less dense than LDL molecules but denser than very low density lipoprotein particles. As the triglycerides on very low density lipoprotein are broken down by the cells that need it, the particle becomes denser due to the change in the lipid to protein ratio. This results in very low density lipoprotein being converted into IDL. As triglycerides and cholesterol are delivered to more cells in the body, IDL will gradually be converted into LDL.