Lipid Metabolism and Its Associated Diseases

Fats and Cholesterol
Since fats or triglycerides and cholesterol are insoluble with the watery medium of plasma, they are being transported to the blood coupled with a carrier substance known as lipoprotein. Lipoprotein is a group of lipids and proteins that are produced in the liver and cells of the intestinal mucosa.

Types of Lipoproteins
Furthermore, lipoprotein appears in various forms that can be determined through their molecular weight and density. Moreover, each lipoprotein has distinguishing function.

Chylomicrons
Chylomicron, for example, that transports dietary cholesterol and triglycerides from the intestine to the liver and other tissues.

VLDL
VLDL or Very Low Density Lipoprotein is a type of lipoprotein that carries triglycerides from the intestine and liver to the muscle and fatty tissue.

Bad Cholesterol
Another type of lipoprotein is LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein which transports cholesterol to the tissues besides liver, such as walls of the arteries. Therefore, it is considered as the bad cholesterol.

Good Cholesterol
HDL or High Density Lipoprotein, on the other hand, is the good cholesterol because it takes the cholesterol to the liver for excretion in bile.

Abnormalities
People with genetic abnormalities related to synthesis and metabolism of lipoproteins have a high risk of developing artherosclerosis. This is an abnormal condition wherein cholesterol crystals are deposited in the walls of the arteries. Individuals who have total cholesterol level of above 220 mg/dl, LDL level of above 150 mg/dl, fasting triglyceride of above 250 mg/dl or HDL level of below 35 mg/dl are at risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Besides heredity, diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothrydoidism, renal syndromes and excessive consumption of dietary saturate fat can increase the levels of LDL.

Exericse
It is very important to reduce the LDL levels to avoid congenital problems, like coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. To help normalize the LDL levels, doctors suggest exercise and lifestyle and dietary modification. And it has been reported that cholesterol lowering drugs can also control the lipid levels.

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