Lipoprotein physiology and its relationship to atherogenesis

The major plasma lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids are transported as components of macromolecular complexes called lipoproteins. The major lipoprotein classes include the chylomicrons, which transport dietary lipids to the peripheral tissues and the liver; very low density and low density lipoproteins, which transport endogenously synthesized lipids from the liver to peripheral tissues; and high density lipoproteins, which appear to facilitate the reverse transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver. The rates of synthesis and catabolism of the major lipoprotein classes are regulated, to a large degree, by one or more proteins, called apoproteins, that reside on the surface of the lipoproteins. This article describes normal lipoprotein metabolism and includes discussions of the role of abnormalities in lipoprotein transport in the atherogenic process.