ABSTRACT
Lipoproteins are globular, micelle-like particles consisting of a hydrophobic core of triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters surrounded by an amphipathic coat of protein, phospholipid and cholesterol. The apolipoproteins on the surface of the lipoproteins help to solubilize the lipids and target the lipoproteins to the correct tissues. There are five different types of lipoprotein, classified according to their functional and physical properties: chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs), intermediate density lipoproteins (IDLs), low density lipoproteins (LDLs), and high density lipoproteins (HDLs). The major function of lipoproteins is to transport triacylglycerols, cholesterol and phospholipids around the body. Chylomicrons, the largest of the lipoproteins, are synthesized in the intestine. HDLs have the opposite function to that of LDLs in that they remove cholesterol from the tissues. The HDLs are synthesized in the blood mainly from components derived from the degradation of other lipoproteins.
