Introduction to Chemistry of Lipids
2. Classification base on composition
2.8. Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
Further removal of triglycerides from the VLDL yields LDL which is very rich in cholesterol and cholesteryl esters and also apoB-100 as the major apolipoprotein.
• LDL facilitates the movement of cholesterol to the
extrahepatic tissues that have specific plasma
membrane receptors that recognize apoB-100.
Biological importance
Cell repair
- LDL carries cholesterol to cells in the body, where it's used for cell repair.
Plaque formation
- LDL is involved in the formation of plaque in arteries, which can lead to heart disease, strokes, and other vascular diseases
Immune system
LDL interferes with the quorum sensing system of Staphylococcus aureus, which helps the bacteria infect