Lipoproteins are natural nanoparticles that function as fat transporters in the human body. Several classes exist and they vary n size from down to a few nanometers and up to the micrometer range, but their general buildup is the same: A hydrophobic core of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters that is stabilized by a monolayer of phospholipids, which has apolipoproteins embedded. Besides a stabilizing function the apolipoproteins also provide specificity. Lipoproteins play a central role in the development of the cardiovascular disease known as atherosclerosis. The most well- known lipoproteins are high density lipoprotein (HDL), also refereed to as “good cholesterol” and low density lipoprotein (LDL), known as “bad cholesterol”, where “good” and “bad” refer to their protective function or contribution to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques, respectively.
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