lipoprotein

(noun)

Any of a large group of complexes of protein and lipid with many biochemical functions.

Related Terms

Examples of lipoprotein in the following topics:

  • Regulation of Blood Cholesterol Levels

    • Cholesterol is transported through the blood by lipoproteins which direct cholesterol to where it is needed.
    • Phospholipids and cholesterol, being amphipathic, are transported in the surface monolayer of the lipoprotein particle.
    • For this reason, there are several types of lipoproteins within the blood called, in order of increasing density:
    • The more lipid and less protein a lipoprotein has, the less dense it is.
    • However, the different lipoproteins contain apolipoproteins, which serve as ligands for specific receptors on cell membranes.

  • Absorptive State

    • Chylomicrons are lipoprotein particles that consist of triglycerides (85-92%), phospholipids (6-12%), cholesterol (1-3%) and proteins (1-2%).
    • This main product of fat digestion is first broken down to fatty acids and glycerol through hydrolysis using lipoprotein lipase.

  • Liver Function

    • A bulk of the lipoproteins are synthesized in the liver.

  • Anabolic Steroids and Muscles

    • Known side effects include harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased Low density lipoprotein and decreased High density lipoprotein), acne, high blood pressure and liver damage.

  • Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation: Surface Tension of Alveolar Fluid

    • Surfactant is a lipoprotein molecule that reduces the force of surface tension from water molecules on the lung tissue.

  • Functions of the Lymphatic System

    • During fat digestion, many fatty acids are digested, emulsified, and converted within intestinal cells into a lipoprotein called chylomicrons.

  • Coronary Artery Disease

    • Hypercholesterolemia (specifically, serum LDL concentrations), smoking, hypertension (high systolic pressure seems to be most significant in this regard), hyperglycemia (due to diabetes mellitus or otherwise), and high levels of lipoprotein, a compound formed when LDL cholesterol combines with a substance known as apoliprotein.

  • Alveoli

    • It is a lipoprotein with hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends that reduces the amount of surface tension from water in the lungs.