Lipids present in the blood and tissues of the body include cholesterol, cholesterol esters, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Since lipids are insoluble in blood (plasma), they must be transported to and from the cells by special carrier molecules, the lipoproteins. Abnormal lipoprotein or lipid metabolism may induce hyperlipidemia, or “high cholesterol” and hypertriglyceridemia known to be etiological factors incardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemias are defined as disorders of lipoprotein metabolism,includinglipoprotein overproduction or deficiency.
18Jan