high-density lipoprotein

lipoprotein /lipo·pro·tein/ (-prō´tēn) a complex of lipids and apolipoproteins, the form in which lipids are transported in the blood.

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α-lipoprotein , alpha lipoprotein one with electrophoretic mobility equivalent to that of the α1-globulins, e.g., high-density lipoprotein.

β-lipoprotein , beta lipoprotein one with electrophoretic mobility equivalent to that of the β-globulins, e.g., low-density lipoprotein.

floating beta lipoproteins  β.

high-density lipoprotein  (HDL) a class of plasma lipoproteins that promote transport of cholesterol from extrahepatic tissue to the liver for excretion in the bile; serum levels have been negatively correlated with premature coronary heart disease.

intermediate-density lipoprotein  (IDL) a class of lipoproteins formed in the degradation of very-low-density lipoproteins; some are cleared rapidly into the liver and some are degraded to low-density lipoproteins.

low-density lipoprotein  (LDL) a class of plasma lipoproteins that transport cholesterol to extrahepatic tissues; high serum levels have been correlated with premature coronary heart disease.

Lp(a) lipoprotein  a lipoprotein particle containing apolipoprotein B-100 as well as an antigenically unique apolipoprotein; its occurrence at high levels in plasma has been correlated with increased risk of heart disease.

pre-β-lipoprotein , pre-beta lipoprotein very-low-density lipoprotein

sinking pre-β-lipoprotein  Lp(a) l.

very-high-density lipoprotein  (VHDL) a class of lipoproteins composed predominantly of proteins and also containing a high concentration of free fatty acids.

very-low-density lipoprotein  (VLDL) a class of lipoproteins that transport triglycerides from the intestine and liver to adipose and muscle tissues; they contain primarily triglycerides with some cholesteryl esters.

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high-density lipoprotein

n. Abbr. HDL

A lipoprotein that contains relatively small amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides and is associated with a decreased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Also called alpha-lipoprotein, HDL cholesterol.

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High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

A type of lipoprotein that protects against coronary artery disease by removing cholesterol deposits from arteries or preventing their formation.

Mentioned in: Cholesterol Test

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high-density lipoprotein (HDL)

Etymology: ME, heigh, high; L, densus, thick; Gk, lipos, fat, proteios, first rank

a plasma protein made mainly in the liver and containing about 50% lipoprotein (apoprotein) along with cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipid. It is involved in transporting cholesterol and other lipids to the liver to be disposed. Higher levels of high-density lipoprotein are associated with decreased cardiac risk profiles. See also low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein.