Plasma lipids and their role in disease

The transport of lipids in plasma is complex and may be subject to multiple abnormalities. The diseases associated with these abnormalities have been recognized in experimental animals since the beginning of the 20th century, but only in the last twenty years have skeptics been convinced that plasma lipid disorders in man are causally related to both atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Most plasma lipid abnormalities reflect an interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors. This volume describes plasma lipid transport, the various categories of plasma lipid disorders and the relationship between plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and atherosclerotic disease. It examines the contrasting role of LDL and HDL in atherogenesis and also describes the possible contributions of VLDL and chylomicrons. Cell surface receptors and other key proteins playing an important role in plasma lipoprotein regulation and metabolism are discussed, and the possible contribution of oxidative damage to LDL atherogenicity is considered. There is a final reflection on the effects of these disorders on endothelial function. Up-to-date information is provided here for physicians and scientists interested in plasma lipid transport and how abnormalities of plasma lipids and lipoproteins relate to disease states.