Lipoprotein metabolism and its derangements

Marais, David

Lipoprotein metabolism and its derangements

Journal Article

2003

Journal Title

South African Journal for Continuing Medical Education

Link to Journal

http://www.cmej.org.za/index.php/cmej

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Division of Lipidology

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide the medical practitioner with an understanding of lipids, lipoproteins and their metabolism and disorders. Such an understanding would enhance the assimilation of the sections on clinical assessment and treatment of dyslipoproteinaemia. Lipids may be defined as organic chemicals that are insoluble in water. In the biological context lipids are either carboxylic acids (fatty acids) or sterols, and their derivatives. Lipids are less dense than water and will float spontaneously or under centrifugal force. Cholesterol is the principal sterol in the animal kingdom and promotes the impenetrability of the phospholipid bilayer that constitutes the cell membrane. Additionally cholesterol is found in lipoproteins and in bile and is used to synthesise hormones and bile acids.