Summary
The Peter Atia Drive podcast episode 2 of 5 in the Week of Dayspring focuses on lipoprotein basics, including the structure, function, and metabolism of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are protein-wrapped collections of hydrophobic and AMP-P-thick lipids that transport lipids in the human body. The density of a lipoprotein particle is related to its lipid content versus its protein content, and different lipoprotein classifications have a range of densities from big species to small species. The APO protein is the protein that gives the lipoprotein its signature.
The context discusses the role of apolipoproteins in lipoproteins and their importance in understanding lipid metrics. Total cholesterol is a poor indicator of atherogenic cholesterol as most of it is found in apolipoprotein B particles. The context also briefly mentions the measurement of LDL cholesterol and the importance of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in predicting the risk of heart disease.
The context discusses the history and evolution of measuring LDL cholesterol levels in blood tests. The number of LDL particles, measured by April B or LDL particle count, is a better predictor of atherosclerosis risk than LDL cholesterol levels. The context discusses the importance of knowing one's LDL particle count as a key metric for assessing lipid-related risk. The speaker also provides a brief explanation of cholesterol and its various forms.
The context discusses the difference between cholesterol and plant sterols, also known as phytosterols. Some studies suggest that phytosterols may be more atherogenic than cholesterol. However, some physicians recommend phytosterol supplements to lower LDL cholesterol levels in some people. The context emphasizes the importance of monitoring phytosterols in the bloodstream and avoiding supplementing them in hyper-absorbers.
The context discusses the process of cholesterol absorption and synthesis in the body. The ability to absorb cholesterol is dependent on the expression of the niemann-pick c1 like protein and the ABC g5g a transporters. The process of esterifying cholesterol through an enzyme called acyl cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) is necessary for it to be transported in chylomicrons. The body also has a reverse cholesterol transport pathway called trans intestinal cholesterol a flux (TICE), where cholesterol can be transported back to the intestine and excreted through the stool.
The context is a discussion about cholesterol synthesis and metabolism. The speaker explains the different pathways involved in cholesterol synthesis and the enzymes responsible for converting cholesterol precursors into cholesterol. They also discuss the importance of cholesterol in cell membranes and its role in producing hormones. However, they note that cholesterol cannot be metabolized for energy and that the body has evolved alternative pathways, such as ketosis, for energy production during periods of fasting. The speaker also mentions the regulation of cholesterol synthesis and the consequences of genetic deficiencies in cholesterol synthesis. Finally, they discuss a finding that patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome experience a significant drop in HDL cholesterol.
