- Lipoproteins are a transport vehicle for hydrophobic lipids.
- Chylomicrons mediate the transport of dietary fat.
- VLDL mediate the transport of endogenously synthesized fat.
- Chylomicrons, VLDL and remnant lipoproteins are part of the organism's fuel distribution network: the fuel transport pathway.
- LDL are cholesterol-rich lipoproteins which emerge from the fuel transport pathway. When present in excess their may enter the arterial wall.
- HDL mediate reverse cholesterol transport, e.g. removal of cholesterol from the peripheral cells to the liver.
- Atherogenesis is a complex process involving endothelial dysfunction, lipid deposition, inflammatory reaction in the arterial wall, and activation and proliferation of the arterial smooth muscle cells.
- Interactions between different types of cells participating in atherogenesis are mediated by an array of cytokines, growth factors and adhesion molecules.
- Atherogenesis results in a gross disruption of the structure of the arterial wall and the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, which narrows the lumen of the affected artery. However, the cause of heart attack is not the slow growth of the plaque, but its sudden rupture.
- Arteriosclerosis-related diseases are coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
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- Compare the composition of VLDL and LDL.
- What are the differences between the transport of dietary triacylglycerols and triacylglycerols synthesized in the liver?
- Describe the transport pathway for dietary fatty acids.
- Give examples of interactions between different cell types in atherogenesis
- Discuss the mechanism of atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
- In what way endothelial dysfunction contributes to atherosclerosis?
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