Kuljetustriglyseridit

Kuljetustriglyseridit, known in English as transport triglycerides or triglyceride transporters, refer to the lipoproteins responsible for carrying triglycerides from the liver to other tissues in the body. Triglycerides are a type of fat that serves as a major energy source. The primary lipoproteins involved in this transport are very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons.

VLDL particles are synthesized and secreted by the liver. They contain a high proportion of triglycerides and are released into the bloodstream to deliver these fats to peripheral tissues such as muscle and adipose tissue. As VLDL particles circulate, they are acted upon by enzymes like lipoprotein lipase, which cleaves off fatty acids from the triglycerides for uptake by cells. This process transforms VLDL into intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL) and eventually low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

Chylomicrons are also triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, but they are formed in the small intestine after the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Once assembled, chylomicrons enter the lymphatic system and then the bloodstream, where they deliver absorbed triglycerides to tissues like muscle and adipose tissue. Similar to VLDL, chylomicrons undergo lipolysis, releasing fatty acids and becoming remnant particles that are eventually cleared by the liver. The efficient transport and delivery of triglycerides by these lipoproteins are crucial for energy homeostasis and cellular function.