Lipoproteins are ... Classification, norm and deviations, causes of increase

It is known that blood plays one of the main roles in the body, because it helps transport nutrients to all organs and tissues of the body. Delivery of water-soluble substances is quite simple, since they are in the blood plasma in a liquid state. But transportation of fats and fat-like substances in this way is impossible, because they are almost completely insoluble in water. In order for the body to receive the required amount of fat, special carrier proteins are used, which, together with lipids, form a special compound - lipoproteins. What this definition means and what functions it performs, we will analyze in the article.

Description

Lipoproteins are complex protein complexes whose main function is the delivery of lipids from the liver to peripheral organs and vice versa. They contain phospholipids, cholesterol, fatty acids and neutral fats. Despite the widespread opinion about the dangers of lipids, their role in the normal functioning of the body is difficult to overestimate.

The value of lipoproteins

Lipoproteins are complex compounds that play a very large role in the functioning of the body. They perform a number of important functions. Consider the most significant of them:

• Participate in cholesterol metabolism.
• Perform a transport function, delivering fats to other organs.
• Are energy sources.
• Participate in the formation of hormones.
• They help the nervous system.
• Stimulate the immune system.
• Activate blood coagulation.
• Deliver iron to tissues and organs.
• HDL removes excess cholesterol, thereby cleansing blood vessels. This is a prevention of the development of many diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Classification

Using the method of ultracentrifugation, a classification of lipoproteins by density was developed. The more lipids in a molecule, the lower its density. The following forms of compounds are distinguished:

• Chylomicrons. The largest particles that contain lipids. Their production occurs in the small intestine. Deliver fats to the liver. Getting into the blood indicates serious metabolic disturbances.
• Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) - are composed almost entirely of fat.
• Low density lipoproteins (LDL) - a compound in which there is a uniform content of protein and substances close to fats. Deviations from the norm may indicate the development of atherosclerosis.
• Intermediate density of compounds (STD) - in the diagnosis of their level in the blood is practically not used.
• High density lipoproteins (HDL) - deliver cholesterol to tissues and organs.

Norms

The norms of values ​​in men and women are slightly different due to the fact that under the influence of estrogen in women, the elasticity of blood vessels is increased, which reduces the coefficient of atherogenicity. After fifty years, the norms of indicators become the same.

Beta lipoproteins

Low density compounds are called beta lipoproteins. In their composition, the amount of fat prevails over proteins. The main function is the delivery of fats. Also, this type of compounds is involved in the work of hormones and the construction of cell membranes.

With increased low density lipoproteins, the development of various diseases is possible, one of which is atherosclerosis. This is due to the fact that when an excess of LDL is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques. Because of this, this type of lipoprotein is called "bad."

It is worth noting that the decoding of LDL indicators is carried out based on the level of other blood components.

Reasons for raising and lowering LDL

The following factors can provoke an increase in low-density lipoproteins:

• Thyroid disease.
• Diabetes.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Pathological conditions of the kidneys and liver.
• Stagnation of bile.
• The formation of kidney stones.
• Obesity.
• Improper nutrition, which contains a large amount of fatty foods and useless carbohydrates.

The following conditions can cause a pathological decrease in low-density lipoprotein levels:

• Frequent depression.
• Predisposition to low cholesterol.
• Anorexia.
• Frequent diets.
• Improper nutrition with a lack of fat.
• Heavy metal poisoning.
• Anemia.
• Inadequate physical activity.
• Infectious diseases.

Significant deviations from the norm can cause serious complications.

Indications for taking an analysis at the LDL level

An analysis of the level of beta-lipoproteins is prescribed when the following symptoms occur:

• Weight gain.
• Memory impairment.
• Slowed down reactions.
• Pain and discomfort in the sternum.
• Feeling of "goosebumps."
• Feeling of numbness of limbs.

Alpha lipoproteins

Alpha lipoproteins are compounds with a high density, characterized by a high content of protein in them. The main function of "good" compounds is the absorption of excess fats from the bloodstream and cells and their further transport to the liver. The higher the level of HDL in the blood, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reasons for raising and lowering HDL

Since high density lipoproteins protect the body from the occurrence of atherosclerosis and other similar diseases, an increase in their level in the blood in most cases does not pose a serious threat to human health. But nevertheless, there are pathological causes of increased values, for which corrective treatment may be required. It is important to know all the factors that can lead to an imbalance of substances:

• Chronic alcoholism
• Genetic diseases in which the excretion of "good" cholesterol is disrupted or hyperproduction of this substance occurs.
• Hyperthyroidism
• Primary cirrhosis.
• Pregnancy. In the later stages, HDL levels can double.

Lowering the level of "good" cholesterol is a more dangerous condition than raising it. The causes of pathological lowering are:

• The development of atherosclerosis.
• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Obesity.
• Stroke.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Emotional and physical exhaustion.
• Heart attack.
• Age.
• Infection of a viral and bacterial nature.

Symptoms of HDL imbalance

Symptoms that may indicate pathological values ​​of high density lipoproteins will depend on which disease caused this.

In most cases, the symptoms do not immediately become apparent and begin to appear with the development of complications. The following symptoms are able to indicate the presence of diseases that provoked deviations from the norm:

• Dyspnea.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Excess weight.
• Pain behind the sternum.
• Respiratory failure.
• Decrease in working capacity, weakness.

Diagnostics

The main diagnostic method for determining the level of blood lipoproteins is a lipid profile. For analysis, venous blood is used, which is taken on an empty stomach. This analysis reveals lipid metabolism disorders and determines the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other pathological conditions.

In order for the analysis result to be as accurate as possible, certain rules must be adhered to.

• Do not eat 12 hours before analysis.
• Stop drinking alcohol a few days before the procedure.
• Do not smoke before taking blood.
• Avoid stressful situations and intense physical exertion.
• The day before the analysis, do not eat fatty foods.

It is necessary to take an analysis on the level of lipoproteins once every five years. After 40 years, annual monitoring is recommended.

Treatment

Therapy aimed at normalizing the level of lipoproteins in the blood should be prescribed by the attending physician based on the results of the tests. Self-medication can lead to unpleasant consequences. In addition to drug treatment, a diet is mandatory. Without proper nutrition, therapy with this pathological condition will not bring positive results, or they will be short-lived.

Medications are prescribed based on the cause of the violation of the level of lipoproteins. With increasing values, the following drugs can be used:

• Vitamins of group B.
• Drugs that lower cholesterol and help remove it from the body. For example, Cholestan, Cholestyramine.
• Statins These are drugs that lower the amount of cholesterol, reduce its production by the liver and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Diet therapy is prescribed individually, but there are general recommendations that allow not only to get rid of the signs of a pathological condition, but also to prevent their reappearance.

Consider the key rules of the diet.

• It is necessary to exclude products containing animal fat from the diet.
• Eat more vegetables and fruits.
• It is recommended to use dietary fiber and vitamins.
• When choosing a cooking method, you should refuse frying, smoking and baking with a lot of oil.
• The use of lean fish is shown.

Cholesterol lowering foods include:

• Bran.
• Green tea.
• Red vegetables and fruits.
• Almond.
• Garlic.
• Olive oil.

To increase the level of lipoproteins affect:

• High fat cheese.
• Sausage.
• Margarine.
• Butter.
• Cream.
• Shrimp
• Fatty foods.
• Smoked meats.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Butter baking.

Food should be fractional and served in small portions.

In addition to the above treatment methods, it is recommended to avoid stressful situations and engage in moderate physical activity.

Possible consequences and forecast

The prognosis for a violation of the level of lipoproteins will depend on what provoked the pathological condition, and how much the deviation from the norm occurred.

• Minor changes do not indicate dangerous diseases and can be adjusted by a special diet.
• With an average volume of disorders, drug therapy and dieting may be required. It is also recommended to check the vessels for their narrowing.

In case of delayed treatment or in the absence of results from the prescribed therapy, serious complications may develop.

For example, with advanced atherosclerosis, a complete blockage of the vessel by the resulting plaque occurs. This can cause hypoxia of the organ to which the affected vessel led.

There are also cases of tissue death, which in the absence of emergency treatment can lead to irreparable consequences.

Conclusion

Lipoproteins are very important components of the blood that perform important functions in the body. But with a pathological violation of their level, dangerous conditions may arise that require immediate treatment. It is necessary to listen to your body and undergo professional examinations in a timely manner. It is very important to eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle. The implementation of preventive measures can minimize the risk of deviations in the production and functionality of lipoproteins.