Compare and contrast the following lipoproteins: LDL, HDL, VLDL, and chylomicrons. Include their functions in the body and the correlation between high or low levels and heart disease risk

Answer 1

The following lipoproteins: LDL, HDL, VLDL, and chylomicrons are described below:

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol (much of it synthesized in the liver) to body cells. LDL travels through blood vessels, is vulnerable to attack by oxygen, and has affinity for linings of artery walls—contributing to plaque buildup. A high blood cholesterol level usually reflects high LDL. High LDL blood cholesterol level increases the risk for heart disease.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol in the blood back to the liver for recycling or disposal. Low HDL blood cholesterol level increases the risk for heart disease.

VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) carries fats packaged or made by the liver to various tissues in the body.

Chylomicron is a type of lipoprotein that transports newly digested fat (mostly triglyceride) from the intestine through lymph and blood. The structure of a chylomicron arranged with hydrophobic (water-fearing) molecules (the fatty acids) on the inside and hydrophilic (water-loving) molecules (proteins) on the outside allows lipids to travel through the watery fluids of the body.