See also Lipid-lowering agents

Key Points

• TG
  • Energy reserve
  • Synthesized in liver and adipocytes
  • Stored in adipocytes
• Cholesterol
  • Incorporated in all cell membranes in the lipid bilayer: increases membrane fluidity and stability
  • Precursor for synthesis of:
    • Steroid hormones (e.g., androgens, estrogens, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids)
    • Bile acids
    • Vitamin D
  • Transport in blood via lipoproteins
    • From the intestine to the liver: together with TAGs in chylomicrons
    • From the liver to peripheral tissues: via VLDL and LDL
    • From peripheral tissues to the liver (reverse cholesterol transport): via HDL and IDL
• HDL
  • Transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues (e.g., atherosclerotic arteries) to the liver (reverse cholesterol transport), where it is excreted (e.g., via bile)
• LDL
  • Transport cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues and arteries
• VLDL
  • Transport hepatic triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues
• Chylomicron
  • Secreted by the intestinal epithelial cells into lymphatics
  • Transport dietary triglycerides from the intestine to peripheral tissues