Low-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is one of the five major groups of lipoproteins, which, in order of molecular size, largest to smallest, are chylomicrons, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Lipoprotein molecules enable the transportation of lipids (fats), such as cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides, within the water around cells (extracellular fluid), including the bloodstream.
Studies have shown that higher levels of type-B LDL particles (as opposed to type-A LDL particles) are associated with health problems, including cardiovascular disease. Recently both the lipid composition [1] and protein composition [2] of this lipoprotein were characterised in great detail. Testing[edit] Blood tests typically report LDL-C, the amount of cholesterol contained in LDL.
Biochemistry[edit] Structure[edit] LDL subtype patterns[edit] Transport into the cell[edit] Medical relevance - Atherosclerosis[edit] Dietary[edit] Blood & Ldl Levels. Excessive alcohol consumption is directly linked to liver disease, heart disease and addiction, according to decades of medical literature, but an increasing number of studies indicate that moderate use of alcohol may actually lower the risk in otherwise healthy individuals.
At issue is the correlation between cholesterol levels and alcohol intake. Some studies show a potentially positive impact while others indicate that genetic factors may be at play. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the arterial walls, reducing their elasticity and narrowing the opening through which blood must flow. This raises the risk of a full or partial blockage that causes a heart attack. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is "good" cholesterol. Total cholesterol is a combination of HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels. What are LDL cholesterol particle size patterns A and B? • Heart Attack • Oct 03, 2004 The LDL patterns A and B refer to the size of LDL cholesterol particles in the blood. Some doctors believe that small LDL cholesterol particles in the blood may pose a greater risk for developing atherosclerosis and heart attacks than the absolute level of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
The size of LDL cholesterol particles is primarily inherited. A special blood test called polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis can measure particle size and determine whether a person has blood cholesterol LDL pattern A or LDL pattern B. Persons with LDL cholesterol pattern A have large, buoyant LDL cholesterol particles. Persons with LDL cholesterol pattern B have predominantly small and dense LDL cholesterol particles. Some scientists believe that the smaller LDL particles are more dangerous than the larger ones because they can more easily squeeze through the tiny gaps between the cells in the endothelium to reach inside the artery walls. Another ratio is LDL/HDL. Comm564.pdf (application/pdf Object) Low-density lipoprotein size and cardiovascular risk assessment.
Abstract A predominance of small, dense low-density lipoproteins (LDL) has been accepted as an emerging cardiovascular risk factor by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. LDL size seems to be an important predictor of cardiovascular events and progression of coronary heart disease and evidences suggests that both quality (particularly small, dense LDL) and quantity may increase cardiovascular risk. However, other authors have suggested that LDL size measurement does not add information beyond that obtained by measuring LDL concentration, triglyceride levels and HDL concentrations. Therefore, it remains debatable whether to measure LDL particle size in cardiovascular risk assessment and, if so, in which categories of patient.
Introduction Cardiovascular diseases are still the primary cause of death in most industrialized countries. Figure 1. LDL heterogeneity and plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol concentrations (modified from reference 3). Figure 2. 04114med_messenger.pdf (application/pdf Object)