Review

Question No. 4
By: Valerie Anne G. Driz BSMT-2C
What are the roles of
Lipoproteins in Lipid
Metabolism? Explain
their Contribution.
 Lipoproteins ?
Lipoproteins are special
particles made up of droplets of
fats surrounded by a single
layer of phospholipid
molecules. Phospholipids are
molecules of fats which are
attached to a phosphorus-
containing group. They are
What are the roles of lipoproteins in lipid
metabolism? Explain their contribution
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 includes very low-density
lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density
lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density
lipoproteins (HDL), in HDL there are
chylomicrons and Intermediate-
W h a t a re t h e ro l e s o f l i p o p ro t e i n s i n l i p i d
metabolism? Explain their contribution
Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL)
These lipoproteins consist of main triglycerides, some cholesterol
molecules, and less protein. The 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.
ROLE: 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. As this process occurs, VLDL will eventually become
 What are the roles of lipoproteins in lipid
metabolism? Explain their contribution
Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)
LDL consists of more cholesterol than triglycerides and protein. Because it
contains less lipid and more protein in comparison to VLDL, its density is
greater.
ROLES: LDL is responsible for carrying cholesterol to cells that need it.
Elevated LDL levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease. Certain forms of LDL—specifically small, dense LDL (sdLDL) and 
oxidized LDL (oxLDL)—have been associated with promoting the
formation of atherosclerosis by depositing fats on the walls of arteries in the
body. Because of increased levels of LDL are associated with the
development of cardiovascular disease, LDL is also known as the “bad”
W h a t a re t h e ro l e s o f l i p o p ro t e i n s i n l i p i d
metabolism? Explain their contribution
High-Density Lipoproteins (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.
ROLE: 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
W h a t a re t h e ro l e s o f l i p o p ro t e i n s i n l i p i d
metabolism? Explain their contribution
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.
ROLE: Chylomicrons are responsible for transporting
lipids from the intestinal tract to cells in the body.
These are involved in the transport of dietary
triglycerides and cholesterol to peripheral tissues and
liver.
W h a t a re t h e ro l e s o f l i p o p ro t e i n s i n l i p i d
metabolism? Explain their contribution
Intermediate Density Lipoprotein (IDL)
 These lipoproteins are less dense than LDL molecules but
denser than VLDL particles. As triglycerides and cholesterol are
delivered to more cells in the body, IDL will gradually be
converted into LDL.
ROLE: It mediates the hydrolysis of triglycerides and
phospholipids in IDL and LDL leading to smaller particles
(IDL is converted to LDL; LDL is converted from large LDL to
small LDL). It also mediates the hydrolysis of triglycerides and
phospholipids in HDL resulting in smaller HDL particles.
Illustrations
Sources :
https://www.verywellhealth.com/lipoproteins-facts-and-info-697495
https://
study.com/academy/lesson/what-are-lipoproteins-definition-functions-type
s.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK305896/#
lipid_intro.toc-lipoprotein-a-7-41-42
https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-are-Lipoproteins.aspx#:~:
text=Lipoproteins%20are%20special%20particles%20made,polar%20an
d%20non%2Dpolar%20ends
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK305896/#:~:text=It%20mediates%2
0the%20hydrolysis%20of,resulting%20in%20smaller%20HDL%20particles
.
Thank You
and
God Bless!