Definition: Lipid-protein complexes involved in the transportation and metabolism of lipids in the body. They are spherical particles consisting of a hydrophobic core of TRIGLYCERIDES and CHOLESTEROL ESTERS surrounded by a layer of hydrophilic free CHOLESTEROL; PHOSPHOLIPIDS; and APOLIPOPROTEINS. Lipoproteins are classified by their varying buoyant density and sizes.
general or unspecified; prefer specifics; /blood: consider also HYPERLIPOPROTEINEMIA; /defic: consider also HYPOLIPOPROTEINEMIAS & specifics; do not confuse with PROTEOLIPIDS or LIPID-LINKED PROTEINS
Other names Lipoproteins, Circulating; Lipoprotein; Circulating Lipoproteins