~1H NMR SPECTROSCOPY OF LIPOPROTEINS - WHEN SIZE MATTERS

摘要

Lipoproteins are a wide class of biological structures represented by micellar aggregates of biomolecules that allow the fat content to be transported through the hydrophilic blood environment. Chylomicrons, the largest lipoprotein structures, are assembled in the intestinal mucosa to carry the dietary fats through the intestinal barrier and into the blood stream by active exocytosis. The fat load of the chylomicrons, primarily in the form of triglycerides, is later distributed to the tissues by hydrolysis through the extracellular enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL) which is present in many tissues. The released fatty acids can then be taken up by the adipose tissue (for storage) or by skeletal muscle (as energy substrate) or the fatty acids can bind to serum albumin. The lifetime of the chylomicrons is limited to a postprandial state, since their function rapidly vanishes when all meal's fat has been absorbed into the circulatory system.