Low-density lipoproteins
Low-density lipoprotein (often abbreviated as LDL) is a fundamental component of lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. Colloquially termed as the "bad" cholesterol, LDL plays a pivotal role in cholesterol transport and deposition in arteries, potentially leading to medical conditions such as atherosclerosis.
Introduction to LDL[edit | edit source]
LDL is primarily tasked with transporting cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues. Its elevated levels, however, can result in cholesterol buildup within arterial walls, making it a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases.
- Optimal Levels: For the majority, an LDL concentration below 100 mg/dL is deemed optimal. However, individuals with augmented risk factors like type 2 diabetes should aim for even lower levels, ideally around 75 mg/dL or below.
Significance of LDL[edit | edit source]
LDL cholesterol has gained its reputation due to its demonstrable association with heart disease:
Numerous studies have pinpointed a robust correlation between elevated LDL levels and an increased likelihood of developing heart diseases. This critical understanding underscores the imperative of maintaining LDL within healthy ranges.
Understanding Cholesterol Metabolism[edit | edit source]
A grasp of cholesterol's origin and metabolism is crucial to contextualize LDL's role:
- Endogenous production: Contrary to popular belief, dietary intake isn't the primary source of cholesterol in the body. Remarkably, the liver autonomously generates up to 70% of the body's cholesterol. This endogenous production utilizes an enzyme named HMG-CoA reductase, drawing substrates from the Kreb's cycle. The driving force behind this enzymatic activity is insulin.
- Insulin resistance: In individuals exhibiting insulin resistance, the liver, under the influence of elevated insulin levels, may overproduce cholesterol—even when dietary cholesterol is limited.
- Historically, a miscomprehension of these processes led to misguided dietary guidelines:
- The erstwhile food pyramid mistakenly posited dietary sources as the predominant contributors to cholesterol. This misconception fostered a diet low in fats and cholesterol, inadvertently promoting insulin resistance. The fallout from this misguided approach manifested in escalating obesity rates, a surge in metabolic syndrome incidence, and a staggering 500% uptick in type 2 diabetes cases.
Factors Influencing Cholesterol Levels[edit | edit source]
While the liver's endogenous cholesterol production is pivotal, external factors also modulate cholesterol levels:
- Dietary components: Saturated fats and dietary cholesterol can elevate LDL levels, although their impact may be less than historically believed.
- Body weight: Obesity or excessive body weight can skew cholesterol profiles, typically pushing LDL concentrations higher.
- Physical inactivity: Sedentariness exacerbates cardiovascular risk factors. Regular physical activity is documented to lower LDL levels and concurrently elevate HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Also see[edit | edit source]
- High-density lipoprotein
- Triglycerides
- Metabolic syndrome
- Insulin resistance
- Catechin
- Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency
- Cholesteryl ester storage disease
- Coenzyme Q10
- Flavonoid
- Glutathione
- Health effects of tea
- High density lipoprotein
- LDL receptor
- Lipid profile
- Lipoprotein(a)
- Lipoprotein-X
- Melatonin
- Saturated fat
- Sterol ester
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD