{"id":354,"date":"2023-12-04T10:24:20","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T15:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/chapter\/digestion-and-absorption-of-lipids\/"},"modified":"2023-12-04T10:46:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T15:46:40","slug":"digestion-and-absorption-of-lipids","status":"web-only","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/chapter\/digestion-and-absorption-of-lipids\/","title":{"raw":"Digestion and Absorption of Lipids","rendered":"Digestion and Absorption of Lipids"},"content":{"raw":"\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Learning Objectives<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n\nBy the end of this chapter you will be able to:\n<ul>\n \t<li>describe the main steps of lipid digestion and absorption<\/li>\n \t<li>explain the importance of lipoproteins (low-density and high-density) in the context of atherosclerosis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n&nbsp;\n<div class=\"textbox\">While numerous risk factors can increase the chance of atherosclerosis development, <em><strong>lipid deposition<\/strong><\/em> within the blood vessel wall is at the core of atherosclerosis initiation and progression.\nThis chapter will discuss key steps of lipid digestion and absorption, which are essential for understanding the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.<\/div>\n&nbsp;\n\n[pb_glossary id=\"1194\"]Lipids[\/pb_glossary] are large molecules and generally are not water-soluble. Like carbohydrates and protein, lipids are broken into small components for absorption. Since most of our digestive [pb_glossary id=\"1193\"]enzymes[\/pb_glossary] are water-based, how does the body break down fat and make it available for the various functions it must perform in the human body?\n\n<em>Please note that this chapter uses the words \"lipids\" and \"fats\" interchangeably.&nbsp;<\/em>\n<h2>From the Mouth to the Stomach<\/h2>\nThe process of lipid digestion (<em><strong>Figure 8.20<\/strong><\/em>)&nbsp; begins in the mouth, where the action of chewing coupled with the action of a special enzyme (<em><strong>lingual lipase<\/strong><\/em>, which acts as an [pb_glossary id=\"1185\"]emulsifier[\/pb_glossary]) initiates the process. As a result, the fats become tiny droplets and separate from the watery components. Within two to four hours after eating a meal, roughly 30% of the [pb_glossary id=\"1195\"]triglycerides[\/pb_glossary] are converted to diglycerides and fatty acids by the stomach enzyme <em>gastric lipase, <\/em>yet very little fat digestion occurs in the stomach.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3389\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1027\"]<img class=\"wp-image-3389 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2131\/2023\/12\/Lipid-Digestion-and-absorption.jpg\" alt=\"The GI tract is visible within the outline of a body. The stomach, liver, pancreas, small and large intestine are visible with arrows highlighting the function each part does with respect to lipid digestion and absorption. A lower panel demonstrates lipid emulsification, digestion, and absorption into the lymph at the cellular level of the small intestine\" width=\"1027\" height=\"1017\"> <strong>Figure 8.20. Lipid Digestion and Absorption<\/strong> by Allison Calabrese licensed under a <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY 4.0<\/a>[\/caption]\n<h2>Going to the Bloodstream<\/h2>\nAs stomach contents enter the small intestine, [pb_glossary id=\"1119\"]bile[\/pb_glossary] acts as an [pb_glossary id=\"1185\"]emulsifier[\/pb_glossary] and makes lipids more accessible to digestive enzymes, such as <em>pancreatic [pb_glossary id=\"1196\"]lipase[\/pb_glossary] <\/em>that breaks down the fats into free fatty acids and monoglycerides. Bile also facilitates the formation of micelles necessary for the transportation of fats through the lining of the digestive tract (<em><strong>Figure 2<\/strong><\/em>). Micelles have a fatty acid core with a water-soluble exterior. This allows efficient transportation to the [pb_glossary id=\"1213\"]intestinal microvillus[\/pb_glossary], where the fat components are released and disseminated into the cells of the digestive tract lining.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3390\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"500\"]<img class=\"wp-image-3390 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2131\/2023\/12\/image10.png\" alt=\"A micelle is a sphere where the outer surface is covered by phospholipids: the hydrophilic head faces the outer aqueous solution whereas the sphere's core contains the hydrophobic tails\" width=\"500\" height=\"354\"> <strong>Figure 8.21. Micelle Formation. <\/strong>Scheme of a micelle formed by phospholipids in an aqueous solution by Emmanuel Boutet licensed under a <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>[\/caption]\n\nWithin the lining of the digestive tract, monoglycerides and fatty acids reassemble into triglycerides that form lipoproteins when joined with a protein carrier.[pb_glossary id=\"1197\"] Lipoprotein[\/pb_glossary]s have an inner core that is primarily made up of triglycerides and cholesterol esters (a cholesterol ester is a cholesterol linked to a fatty acid). The outer envelope is made of phospholipids interspersed with proteins and cholesterol (<em><strong>Figure 3<\/strong><\/em>). Together they form a <strong>chylomicron<\/strong>, which is a large lipoprotein that now enters the lymphatic system and will soon be released into the bloodstream via the jugular vein in the neck. Chylomicrons transport food fats perfectly through the body\u2019s water-based environment to specific destinations such as the liver and other body tissues.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3391\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<img class=\"wp-image-3391 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2131\/2023\/12\/image11.jpg\" alt=\"A cross-section of a chylomicron is visible with large blue proteins (apolipoproteins) are sporadically embedded through the outer surface of the spherical chylomicron. The rest of the outer surface are made of the heads of phospholipids. The inner core of the chylomicron is full of trigylcerides (fats) and the fatty tails of the phospholipids.\" width=\"600\" height=\"479\"> <strong>Figure 8.22 Schematic Diagram Of A Chylomicron<\/strong><br>Chylomicrons Contain Triglycerides Cholesterol Molecules and other Lipids by OpenStax College licensed under a <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY 3.0<\/a>[\/caption]\n\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Cholesterols are poorly absorbed when compared to phospholipids and triglycerides. Cholesterol absorption is aided by an increase in dietary fat components and is hindered by high fiber content. This is the reason that a <em><strong>high intake of fiber is recommended to decrease blood cholesterol<\/strong><\/em>. Foods high in fiber such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and oats can bind bile salts and cholesterol, preventing their absorption and carrying them out of the colon.<\/div>\n<h2>Understanding Blood Cholesterol<\/h2>\nYou may have heard of the abbreviations LDL and HDL with respect to heart health. These abbreviations refer to <em><strong>low-density lipoprotein<\/strong><\/em> (LDL) and <em><strong>high-density lipoprotein<\/strong><\/em> (HDL), respectively. [pb_glossary id=\"1197\"]Lipoprotein[\/pb_glossary]s are characterized by size, density, and composition. As the size of the lipoprotein increases, the density decreases. This means that HDL is smaller than LDL. <em><strong>Why are they referred to as \u201cgood\u201d and \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol?<\/strong><\/em>\n<h3>Major Lipoproteins<\/h3>\nRecall that chylomicrons are transporters of fats throughout the watery environment within the body. After about ten hours of circulating throughout the body, chylomicrons gradually release their triglycerides until all that is left of their composition is cholesterol-rich remnants. These remnants are used as raw materials by the liver to formulate specific lipoproteins. Following is a list of the various lipoproteins and their functions (<em><strong>Figure 8.23<\/strong><\/em>):\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">VLDLs. Very low-density lipoproteins are made in the liver from remnants of chylomicrons and transport triglycerides from the liver to various tissues in the body. As the VLDLs travel through the circulatory system, the lipoprotein lipase strips the VLDL of triglycerides. As triglyceride removal persists, the VLDLs become intermediate-density lipoproteins.<\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">IDLs. Intermediate-density lipoproteins transport a variety of fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream and are a little under half triglyceride in composition. While traveling in the bloodstream, cholesterol is gained from other lipoproteins while circulating enzymes strip its phospholipid component. When IDLs return to the liver, they are transformed into low-density lipoprotein.<\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">[pb_glossary id=\"1212\"]LDL[\/pb_glossary]s. As low-density lipoproteins are commonly known as the \u201cbad cholesterol\u201d it is imperative that we understand their function in the body so as to make healthy dietary and lifestyle choices. LDLs carry cholesterol and other lipids from the liver to tissue throughout the body. LDLs are comprised of very small amounts of triglycerides, and house over 50 percent cholesterol and cholesterol esters. How does the body receive the lipids contained therein? As the LDLs deliver cholesterol and other lipids to the cells, each cell\u2019s surface has receptor systems specifically designed to bind with LDLs. Circulating LDLs in the bloodstream bind to these LDL receptors and are consumed. Once inside the cell, the LDL is taken apart and its cholesterol is released. In liver cells these receptor systems aid in controlling blood cholesterol levels as they bind the LDLs. <strong>A deficiency of these LDL binding mechanisms will leave a high quantity of cholesterol traveling in the bloodstream, which can lead to heart disease or atherosclerosis. Diets rich in saturated fats will prohibit the LDL receptors which, are critical for regulating cholesterol levels.<\/strong><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">[pb_glossary id=\"1186\"]HDL[\/pb_glossary]s. High-density lipoproteins are responsible for carrying cholesterol out of the bloodstream and into the liver, where it is either reused or removed from the body with bile. HDLs have a very large protein composition coupled with low cholesterol content (20 to 30 percent) compared to the other lipoproteins. Hence, these high-density lipoproteins are commonly called \u201cgood cholesterol.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[caption id=\"attachment_3394\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"712\"]<img class=\"wp-image-3394 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2131\/2023\/12\/image8.png\" alt=\"a graph measuring increasing particle diameter in nm (on the x-axis) and decreasing density (on the y axis). Image representation of size of lipoproteins are demonstrated - from the smallest and densest lipid particle, HDL to the less dense and larger lipoproteins (LDL, IDL, and VLDL respectively) to the largest least dense particle, the chylomicron. As the lipoproteins increase in size (and lessen in density) the lipoproteins increase in lipid composition but decrease in protein content\" width=\"712\" height=\"523\"> <strong>Figure 8.23. Lipoprotein Classes<\/strong> The classification of the major types of lipoproteins are based on their densities. Density range is shown as well as lipid (red) and protein (blue) content. (Diagram not to scale); licensed under a <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY 3.0<\/a>[\/caption]\n\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h5><strong>Blood Cholesterol Considerations<\/strong><\/h5>\nFor healthy total blood cholesterol, the desired range you would want to maintain is under 200 mg\/dL. More specifically, when looking at individual lipid profiles, a low amount of LDL and a high amount of HDL prevents the excess buildup of cholesterol in the arteries and wards off potential health hazards. An LDL level of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter is ideal while an LDL level above 160 mg\/dL would be considered high. In contrast, a low value of HDL is a telltale sign that a person is living with major risks for disease. Values of less than 40 mg\/dL for men and 50 mg\/dL for women mark a risk factor for developing heart disease. In short, elevated LDL blood lipid profiles indicate an increased risk of heart attack, while elevated HDL blood lipid profiles indicate a reduced risk.\n\n<\/div>\n<h1>Section Review<\/h1>\nThe process of [pb_glossary id=\"1194\"] lipid[\/pb_glossary] digestion involves multiple enzymes produced in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract (<em>lingual lipase<\/em> in the mouth, <em>gastric lipase<\/em> in the stomach, <em>pancreatic lipase<\/em>, and [pb_glossary id=\"1119\"]bile[\/pb_glossary]). Absorption of lipids happens primarily in the intestines, where lipids are combined with proteins to form [pb_glossary id=\"1197\"]lipoproteins[\/pb_glossary] - \"vehicles\" that can transport lipids in the bloodstream. In the context of atherosclerosis, two forms of lipoproteins ([pb_glossary id=\"1212\"]LDL[\/pb_glossary] of [pb_glossary id=\"1186\"]HDL[\/pb_glossary]) are of interest. LDLs, which transport lipid particles from the liver to the tissues\/organs, are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, while HDLs, which transport lipid particles from the tissue to the liver, are associated with a decreased risk. Smoking cessation, diets high in fiber and low in fat, and aerobic exercise i<em><strong>ncrease the levels of HDL<\/strong><\/em> in the blood.\n<h1>Review Questions<\/h1>\n[h5p id=\"194\"]\n<h1>Attribution<\/h1>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathology\/chapter\/digestion-and-absorption-of-lipids\/\" rel=\"cc:attributionURL\">Digestion and Absorption of Lipids<\/a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;Karine Hamm&nbsp;is licensed under a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\" rel=\"license\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License<\/a>\n","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Learning Objectives<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<p>By the end of this chapter you will be able to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>describe the main steps of lipid digestion and absorption<\/li>\n<li>explain the importance of lipoproteins (low-density and high-density) in the context of atherosclerosis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox\">While numerous risk factors can increase the chance of atherosclerosis development, <em><strong>lipid deposition<\/strong><\/em> within the blood vessel wall is at the core of atherosclerosis initiation and progression.<br \/>\nThis chapter will discuss key steps of lipid digestion and absorption, which are essential for understanding the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1194\">Lipids<\/a> are large molecules and generally are not water-soluble. Like carbohydrates and protein, lipids are broken into small components for absorption. Since most of our digestive <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1193\">enzymes<\/a> are water-based, how does the body break down fat and make it available for the various functions it must perform in the human body?<\/p>\n<p><em>Please note that this chapter uses the words &#8220;lipids&#8221; and &#8220;fats&#8221; interchangeably.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>From the Mouth to the Stomach<\/h2>\n<p>The process of lipid digestion (<em><strong>Figure 8.20<\/strong><\/em>)&nbsp; begins in the mouth, where the action of chewing coupled with the action of a special enzyme (<em><strong>lingual lipase<\/strong><\/em>, which acts as an <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1185\">emulsifier<\/a>) initiates the process. As a result, the fats become tiny droplets and separate from the watery components. Within two to four hours after eating a meal, roughly 30% of the <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1195\">triglycerides<\/a> are converted to diglycerides and fatty acids by the stomach enzyme <em>gastric lipase, <\/em>yet very little fat digestion occurs in the stomach.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3389\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3389\" style=\"width: 1027px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3389 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2131\/2023\/12\/Lipid-Digestion-and-absorption.jpg\" alt=\"The GI tract is visible within the outline of a body. The stomach, liver, pancreas, small and large intestine are visible with arrows highlighting the function each part does with respect to lipid digestion and absorption. A lower panel demonstrates lipid emulsification, digestion, and absorption into the lymph at the cellular level of the small intestine\" width=\"1027\" height=\"1017\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3389\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 8.20. Lipid Digestion and Absorption<\/strong> by Allison Calabrese licensed under a <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Going to the Bloodstream<\/h2>\n<p>As stomach contents enter the small intestine, <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1119\">bile<\/a> acts as an <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1185\">emulsifier<\/a> and makes lipids more accessible to digestive enzymes, such as <em>pancreatic <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1196\">lipase<\/a> <\/em>that breaks down the fats into free fatty acids and monoglycerides. Bile also facilitates the formation of micelles necessary for the transportation of fats through the lining of the digestive tract (<em><strong>Figure 2<\/strong><\/em>). Micelles have a fatty acid core with a water-soluble exterior. This allows efficient transportation to the <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1213\">intestinal microvillus<\/a>, where the fat components are released and disseminated into the cells of the digestive tract lining.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3390\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3390\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3390 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2131\/2023\/12\/image10.png\" alt=\"A micelle is a sphere where the outer surface is covered by phospholipids: the hydrophilic head faces the outer aqueous solution whereas the sphere's core contains the hydrophobic tails\" width=\"500\" height=\"354\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3390\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 8.21. Micelle Formation. <\/strong>Scheme of a micelle formed by phospholipids in an aqueous solution by Emmanuel Boutet licensed under a <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Within the lining of the digestive tract, monoglycerides and fatty acids reassemble into triglycerides that form lipoproteins when joined with a protein carrier.<a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1197\"> Lipoprotein<\/a>s have an inner core that is primarily made up of triglycerides and cholesterol esters (a cholesterol ester is a cholesterol linked to a fatty acid). The outer envelope is made of phospholipids interspersed with proteins and cholesterol (<em><strong>Figure 3<\/strong><\/em>). Together they form a <strong>chylomicron<\/strong>, which is a large lipoprotein that now enters the lymphatic system and will soon be released into the bloodstream via the jugular vein in the neck. Chylomicrons transport food fats perfectly through the body\u2019s water-based environment to specific destinations such as the liver and other body tissues.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3391\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3391\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3391 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2131\/2023\/12\/image11.jpg\" alt=\"A cross-section of a chylomicron is visible with large blue proteins (apolipoproteins) are sporadically embedded through the outer surface of the spherical chylomicron. The rest of the outer surface are made of the heads of phospholipids. The inner core of the chylomicron is full of trigylcerides (fats) and the fatty tails of the phospholipids.\" width=\"600\" height=\"479\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3391\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 8.22 Schematic Diagram Of A Chylomicron<\/strong><br \/>Chylomicrons Contain Triglycerides Cholesterol Molecules and other Lipids by OpenStax College licensed under a <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">Cholesterols are poorly absorbed when compared to phospholipids and triglycerides. Cholesterol absorption is aided by an increase in dietary fat components and is hindered by high fiber content. This is the reason that a <em><strong>high intake of fiber is recommended to decrease blood cholesterol<\/strong><\/em>. Foods high in fiber such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and oats can bind bile salts and cholesterol, preventing their absorption and carrying them out of the colon.<\/div>\n<h2>Understanding Blood Cholesterol<\/h2>\n<p>You may have heard of the abbreviations LDL and HDL with respect to heart health. These abbreviations refer to <em><strong>low-density lipoprotein<\/strong><\/em> (LDL) and <em><strong>high-density lipoprotein<\/strong><\/em> (HDL), respectively. <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1197\">Lipoprotein<\/a>s are characterized by size, density, and composition. As the size of the lipoprotein increases, the density decreases. This means that HDL is smaller than LDL. <em><strong>Why are they referred to as \u201cgood\u201d and \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Major Lipoproteins<\/h3>\n<p>Recall that chylomicrons are transporters of fats throughout the watery environment within the body. After about ten hours of circulating throughout the body, chylomicrons gradually release their triglycerides until all that is left of their composition is cholesterol-rich remnants. These remnants are used as raw materials by the liver to formulate specific lipoproteins. Following is a list of the various lipoproteins and their functions (<em><strong>Figure 8.23<\/strong><\/em>):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">VLDLs. Very low-density lipoproteins are made in the liver from remnants of chylomicrons and transport triglycerides from the liver to various tissues in the body. As the VLDLs travel through the circulatory system, the lipoprotein lipase strips the VLDL of triglycerides. As triglyceride removal persists, the VLDLs become intermediate-density lipoproteins.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">IDLs. Intermediate-density lipoproteins transport a variety of fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream and are a little under half triglyceride in composition. While traveling in the bloodstream, cholesterol is gained from other lipoproteins while circulating enzymes strip its phospholipid component. When IDLs return to the liver, they are transformed into low-density lipoprotein.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1212\">LDL<\/a>s. As low-density lipoproteins are commonly known as the \u201cbad cholesterol\u201d it is imperative that we understand their function in the body so as to make healthy dietary and lifestyle choices. LDLs carry cholesterol and other lipids from the liver to tissue throughout the body. LDLs are comprised of very small amounts of triglycerides, and house over 50 percent cholesterol and cholesterol esters. How does the body receive the lipids contained therein? As the LDLs deliver cholesterol and other lipids to the cells, each cell\u2019s surface has receptor systems specifically designed to bind with LDLs. Circulating LDLs in the bloodstream bind to these LDL receptors and are consumed. Once inside the cell, the LDL is taken apart and its cholesterol is released. In liver cells these receptor systems aid in controlling blood cholesterol levels as they bind the LDLs. <strong>A deficiency of these LDL binding mechanisms will leave a high quantity of cholesterol traveling in the bloodstream, which can lead to heart disease or atherosclerosis. Diets rich in saturated fats will prohibit the LDL receptors which, are critical for regulating cholesterol levels.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1186\">HDL<\/a>s. High-density lipoproteins are responsible for carrying cholesterol out of the bloodstream and into the liver, where it is either reused or removed from the body with bile. HDLs have a very large protein composition coupled with low cholesterol content (20 to 30 percent) compared to the other lipoproteins. Hence, these high-density lipoproteins are commonly called \u201cgood cholesterol.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3394\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3394\" style=\"width: 712px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3394 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2131\/2023\/12\/image8.png\" alt=\"a graph measuring increasing particle diameter in nm (on the x-axis) and decreasing density (on the y axis). Image representation of size of lipoproteins are demonstrated - from the smallest and densest lipid particle, HDL to the less dense and larger lipoproteins (LDL, IDL, and VLDL respectively) to the largest least dense particle, the chylomicron. As the lipoproteins increase in size (and lessen in density) the lipoproteins increase in lipid composition but decrease in protein content\" width=\"712\" height=\"523\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3394\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 8.23. Lipoprotein Classes<\/strong> The classification of the major types of lipoproteins are based on their densities. Density range is shown as well as lipid (red) and protein (blue) content. (Diagram not to scale); licensed under a <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h5><strong>Blood Cholesterol Considerations<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>For healthy total blood cholesterol, the desired range you would want to maintain is under 200 mg\/dL. More specifically, when looking at individual lipid profiles, a low amount of LDL and a high amount of HDL prevents the excess buildup of cholesterol in the arteries and wards off potential health hazards. An LDL level of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter is ideal while an LDL level above 160 mg\/dL would be considered high. In contrast, a low value of HDL is a telltale sign that a person is living with major risks for disease. Values of less than 40 mg\/dL for men and 50 mg\/dL for women mark a risk factor for developing heart disease. In short, elevated LDL blood lipid profiles indicate an increased risk of heart attack, while elevated HDL blood lipid profiles indicate a reduced risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h1>Section Review<\/h1>\n<p>The process of <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1194\"> lipid<\/a> digestion involves multiple enzymes produced in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract (<em>lingual lipase<\/em> in the mouth, <em>gastric lipase<\/em> in the stomach, <em>pancreatic lipase<\/em>, and <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1119\">bile<\/a>). Absorption of lipids happens primarily in the intestines, where lipids are combined with proteins to form <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1197\">lipoproteins<\/a> &#8211; &#8220;vehicles&#8221; that can transport lipids in the bloodstream. In the context of atherosclerosis, two forms of lipoproteins (<a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1212\">LDL<\/a> of <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_354_1186\">HDL<\/a>) are of interest. LDLs, which transport lipid particles from the liver to the tissues\/organs, are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, while HDLs, which transport lipid particles from the tissue to the liver, are associated with a decreased risk. Smoking cessation, diets high in fiber and low in fat, and aerobic exercise i<em><strong>ncrease the levels of HDL<\/strong><\/em> in the blood.<\/p>\n<h1>Review Questions<\/h1>\n<h1>Attribution<\/h1>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathology\/chapter\/digestion-and-absorption-of-lipids\/\" rel=\"cc:attributionURL\">Digestion and Absorption of Lipids<\/a>&nbsp;by&nbsp;Karine Hamm&nbsp;is licensed under a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\" rel=\"license\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"glossary\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\" id=\"definition\">definition<\/span><template id=\"term_354_1194\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1194\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>A family of organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are insoluble in water. The three main types of lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1193\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1193\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>protein(s) that accelerate chemical reactions and transform substrate(s) into product(s)<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1185\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1185\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a substtance that helps mix two liquids<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1195\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1195\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>The most common of the three basic classes of lipids and the main form fat takes in both diet and the human body. A triacylglycerol is made up of three molecules of fatty acids and one molecule of glycerol.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1119\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1119\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>alkaline solution produced by the liver and important for the emulsification of lipids<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1196\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1196\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>an enzyme that breaks down fat <\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1213\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1213\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>finger-like projection of the lining of the small intestine; a primary surface of nutrient absorption in the digestive system<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1197\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1197\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>a particle that consists a protein and a lipid (triglyceride or cholesterol). The main function of lipoproteins is to transport lipids through the bloodstream to various body tissues\/organs<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1212\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1212\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>low-density lipoprotein, \"bad cholesterol\" , the form that carries lipids from the liver to various body tissue; increased levels of LDL can accumulate within the blood vessel wall and cause atherosclerosis<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_354_1186\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_354_1186\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>high-density lipoproteins, responsible for carrying cholesterol out of the bloodstream and into the liver; commonly referred to as \"good cholesterol\"<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><\/div>","protected":false},"author":103,"menu_order":12,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["karine-hamm"],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[49],"contributor":[127],"license":[57],"class_list":["post-354","chapter","type-chapter","status-web-only","hentry","chapter-type-numberless","contributor-karine-hamm","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":306,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/354","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/354\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1279,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/354\/revisions\/1279"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/306"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/354\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=354"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=354"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=354"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/dcbiol2200\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=354"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}