lipoprotein

Thân thiện

A scientist points to a diagram of a lipoprotein in a biology textbook.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A conjugated protein containing a lipid component: A lipoprotein is a biochemical assembly that combines proteins and lipids. Its primary biological function is to enable the transport of lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, through the bloodstream.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often called "good" cholesterol.
  • Doctors measure lipoprotein levels to assess cardiovascular risk.
  • The structure of a lipoprotein allows fat molecules to move in the watery environment of blood.

Advanced Usage

• "Lipoprotein(a)": A specific type of lipoprotein particle in the blood that is an independent risk factor for heart disease.

  • Elevated lipoprotein(a) is a genetic risk factor for atherosclerosis.

• "Lipoprotein lipase": An enzyme that breaks down triglycerides carried in lipoproteins.

  • Lipoprotein lipase activity is crucial for clearing fats from the blood after a meal.

Variants and Related Words

• Apolipoprotein (noun): The protein component of a lipoprotein.

  • Apolipoprotein E is involved in cholesterol metabolism.

• Chylomicron (noun): A type of lipoprotein that transports dietary lipids from the intestines to other tissues.

• Lipid (noun): A broad category of fat-soluble molecules, including those transported by lipoproteins.

Synonyms

• Lipid-protein complex: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its composite nature.
• Transport particle: A functional synonym highlighting its role in moving lipids.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Lipoprotein profile/panel: A blood test that measures the amounts of different types of lipoproteins.

  • The patient's lipoprotein profile showed high LDL.

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Often termed "bad" cholesterol, this lipoprotein carries cholesterol to tissues.

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Often termed "good" cholesterol, this lipoprotein carries cholesterol away from tissues to the liver.

Related Terminology

• Dyslipidemia: A medical condition characterized by abnormal levels of lipoproteins in the blood.
• Atherosclerosis: A disease process where lipoprotein particles, especially LDL, contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a conjugated protein having a lipid component; the principal means for transporting lipids in the blood