LIPOPROTEINS
Prof. Dr. Itishri Jena
Structure of Lipoproteins
• Lipoproteins consist of a nonpolar core and a
single surface layer of amphipathic lipids
• The nonpolar lipid core consists of mainly
triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester and is
surrounded by a single surface layer of
amphipathic phospholipid and cholesterol
molecules.
• These are oriented so that their polar groups face
outward to the aqueous medium.
• The protein moiety of a lipoprotein is known as
an Apoprotein or Apolipoprotein.
Classification
• Density of lipoprotein decreases as proportion of
lipid to protein increases.
• 4 major classes are identified –
1. Chylomicrons - derived from intestinal absorption
of TAG & other lipids
2. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) – derived
from liver for export of TAG
3. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) – derived from VLDL
4. High density lipoprotein (HDL) – involved in
cholesterol transport & metabolism of VLDL &
chylomicron.
Composition
Lipoproteins Source Diameter Density Composition Main Apo
(nm) (g/ml) Protein% Lipid % lipids
Chylomicron Intestin 90-1000 <0.95 1-2 98-99 TG B-48, A,
s e C, E
VLDL Liver 30-90 0.95- 7-10 90-93 TG B-100,
1.006 C-I, C-II
IDL VLDL 25-35 1.006- 11 89 TG, C B-100,
1.019 E
LDL VLDL 20-25 1.019- 21 79 C B-100
1.063
HDL Liver, 5-12 1.063- 55 45 PL, C A-I, A-
Intestie 1.210 II, C-I,
CM, C-II, D,
VLDL E
Classification according to effect on
Health & Size
Lipoprotein Electrophoresis
Chylomicrons
• Synthesized in the intestinal cell
• Found in chyle formed by the lymphatic
system draining the intestine.
• They are responsible for the transport of all dietary
lipids into the circulation.
• Chylomicron contains ApoB 48 , as it contains 48% of
protein of Apo B gene ( ApoB 100, found in LDL,
VLDL)
• Also contains Apo A, C , E.
Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)
• VLDL in plasma are hepatic origin, vehicle for
transport of endogenously synthesized TAG &
cholesterol from liver to extra hepatic tissue.
• There are similarity in mechanism of formation of
chylomicrons by intestinal cell & VLDL by hepatic
cell.
• It contains Apo B100 along with Apo C & E.
• Newly secreted or nascent chylomicron & VLDL
contain only small amount of Apo C & E.
• Full complement ( Apo C & E )acquired from HDL in
circulation.
• Apo B is an integral.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
• Formed from VLDL in circulation.
• VLDL are converted into VLDL remnant (IDL,
Intermediate density lipoprotein).
• IDL are converted into LDL
• Transport cholesterol to peripheral tissues.
• Contains Apo B100.
A positive correlation exists between the incidence
of coronary atherosclerosis and the plasma
concentration of LDL cholesterol.
High density lipoprotein (HDL)
HDL is synthesized and secreted from both liver and
intestine .
Apo C and apo E are synthesized in the liver and
transferred from liver HDL to intestinal HDL when
the latter enters the plasma.
A major function of HDL is to act as a repository for
the apo C and apo E (required in the metabolism of
chylomicrons and VLDL)
• HDL contains LCAT (Lecithin-cholesterol acyl
transferase) and its activator Apo A 1.
• Main function – transport of cholesterol from
peripheral tissues to liver for excretion (Reverse
Cholesterol Transport)
• So considered “Good Cholesterol”.
Other Lipoproteins:
Lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a) :
•Lp(a) is associated with myocardial infarction & is
called as “little rascal” .
•Lp(a) interferes with plasminogen activation &
impairs fibrinolysis.
•Leads to unopposed intravascular thrombosis &
possible myocardial infarction.
Lipoprotein X:
•Abnormal vesicle, found in LCAT deficiency &
cholestasis
