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ABCA1: A membrane transporter that transfers cholesterol from cells to lipid-poor ApoA-I, initiating HDL formation.
ABCG1: A transporter that promotes cholesterol efflux from cells to mature HDL particles.
ABCG5/ABCG8: Intestinal and hepatic transporters that limit sterol absorption and promote cholesterol excretion into bile.
ANGPTL3: A protein that inhibits lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase. Inhibiting ANGPTL3 lowers triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and ApoB.
Apolipoprotein (Apo): The protein component of a lipoprotein particle that provides structural integrity and directs its metabolism.
ApoA-I: The principal apolipoprotein of HDL and the key initiator of reverse cholesterol transport.
ApoB: The structural protein present in every atherogenic lipoprotein. One ApoB molecule equals one atherogenic particle.
Atherosclerosis: A chronic disease characterized by the retention of ApoB-containing lipoproteins within the arterial wall, leading to plaque formation.
Bempedoic Acid: An ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor that lowers LDL cholesterol by increasing LDL receptor activity.
CETP: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which exchanges cholesteryl esters and triglycerides between lipoproteins.
Cholesterol: An essential lipid used in cell membranes and as a precursor of steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D.
Chylomicron: The largest lipoprotein particle, responsible for transporting dietary triglycerides and cholesterol from the intestine.
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score: A CT-based measure of calcified coronary plaque used to refine cardiovascular risk assessment.
Ezetimibe: A medication that inhibits NPC1L1-mediated intestinal cholesterol absorption.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH): An inherited disorder characterized by markedly elevated LDL cholesterol and premature cardiovascular disease.
HDL: High-density lipoprotein, which participates in reverse cholesterol transport.
IDL: Intermediate-density lipoprotein, the transitional particle between VLDL and LDL.
Inclisiran: A small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy that reduces hepatic PCSK9 production.
Insulin Resistance: A metabolic state in which tissues respond poorly to insulin, promoting increased VLDL production and atherogenic dyslipidemia.
LCAT: Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, the enzyme that esterifies free cholesterol on HDL.
LDL: Low-density lipoprotein, the principal carrier of cholesterol in the circulation and the major atherogenic lipoprotein.
LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C): The amount of cholesterol carried within LDL particles.
LDL Particle Number (LDL-P): The concentration of LDL particles in the bloodstream.
LDL Receptor (LDLR): A hepatic receptor responsible for clearing ApoB-containing lipoproteins from the circulation.
Lipoprotein: A spherical particle composed of lipids and apolipoproteins that transports cholesterol and triglycerides through plasma.
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: An LDL-like particle containing apolipoprotein(a), associated with increased cardiovascular and valvular risk.
Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL): The enzyme that hydrolyzes triglycerides in chylomicrons and VLDL.
Mevalonate Pathway: The biochemical pathway responsible for endogenous cholesterol synthesis.
Non-HDL Cholesterol: Total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol, representing the cholesterol carried by all ApoB-containing lipoproteins.
NPC1L1: The intestinal transporter responsible for cholesterol absorption and the target of ezetimibe.
PCSK9: A protein that promotes degradation of LDL receptors, reducing LDL clearance.
Remnant Cholesterol: Cholesterol carried in triglyceride-rich remnant lipoproteins.
Reverse Cholesterol Transport: The process by which HDL removes excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and returns it to the liver.
Small Dense LDL: Smaller, cholesterol-depleted LDL particles commonly associated with insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia.
Statins: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that lower LDL cholesterol primarily by increasing LDL receptor expression.
Triglycerides: The body's major form of stored fat and the principal lipid transported by chylomicrons and VLDL.
VLDL: Very-low-density lipoprotein, the liver-derived particle that transports endogenous triglycerides.