Lipid Metabolism Flashcards
Cardiovascular Disease risk factors (5)
Obesity
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes
Genetic risk factors - family history of vascular disease
Hyperlipidaemias - in particular relating to cholesterol
Lipids and _____________ are central to energy metabolism and closely associated with coronary heart disease.
Lipoproteins
Chylomicrons
Transport triglycerides throughout the body. Large core with TG and Chol-Ester.
VLDL
Very low density lipoprotein. Carry TG from liver to periphery.
LDL
Low density lipoproteins. Carry cholesterol to periphery.
HDL
High density lipoproteins. Carry excess cholesterol from periphery to liver. Anti-atherogenic. “Good”
Apolipoproteins
located on the surface of lipoprotein particles. Provides structure and act as ligands for receptors - targeting.
Important for diagnostic tests.
Accurate measurement of lipid is important for diagnosis and treatment of patients.
ApoA1
Major protein in HDL
Used to measure the amount of anti-atherogenic HDL in plasma
ApoB
Major protein on LDL and VLDL, chylomicrons
Ligand for LDL receptor
High levels = heart disease
Better overall marker of risk than LDL alone and better risk marker of vascular disease
Used as a guide to the adequacy of statin treatment , better than any cholesterol index
ApoE
Majorprotein on LDL, VLDL, HDL
Ligand for LDL receptor
What are the three isoforms of ApoE?
Apo E2, E3, E4
Components of a lipoprotein
Triglyceride
Phospholipid
Cholesterol
Cholesterol ester
Apolipoprotein
Building block for triglycerides and phospholipids
Fatty acid
Triglyceride structure
3 fatty acids connected to a glycerol with ether bonds
Important for storage and transport of energy in the body
No charged groups => very hydrophobic
May contain both saturated and unsaturated fatty acid
Phospholipids
2 fatty acids, glycerol and a phosphogroup (neg)
Cholesterol
Unsaturated steroid alcohol
Can form an ester bond with a fatty acid generating a cholesterol ester
Essential part of cell membranes and for formation of hormones and bile salt
Functions of fatty acids
Building blocks of triglycerides and phospholipids
Source of metabolic energy
Function of triglycerides
Part of the cell membrane
Storage of energy (adipose tissue)
Where are triglycerides synthesised?
Liver
Where are triglycerides metabolised?
Intestine
How are dietary TGs transported?
In chylomicrons
High levels of ___________ are related to a higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease independent of high cholesterol.
TGs
What decreases levels of TGs? (3)
Beta-lipoproteinemia
Malnutrition
Drug use
Phospholipid structure
Glycerol backbone and 2 fatty acid chains
Amphipathic
Function of phospholipid
Important component of the cell
Cholesterol function
Important structure to cell membranes
Starting material for synthesis of steroid hormones (testosterone) and vitamin D
Formation of bile salts in the liver -> excretion
Plaque formation in blood vessels
Cannot be catabolised in most cells
Mainly synthesised in liver
Excess cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular disease
What is the rate limiting step of cholesterol synthesis?
HMG CoA reductase
Explain the action of statins on cholesterol synthesis
Statins inhibit HMG Co reductase action -> lowering cholesterol levels
Why percentage of cholesterol is esterified?
75%