Chylomicron

What sample is needed for Chylomicron?

1. The best sample is serum after 10 to 12 hours of fasting.
2. Plasma can also be used.
3. The preservative is stable for one week at 4 °C.

How will you define chylomicron?

1. Chylomicron is in particulate form of lipoprotein, which is responsible for transporting exogenous cholesterol and triglycerides from the small intestine to the adipose tissue after the meal.
2. A chylomicron is a spherical particle with a core of triglycerides surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipids, cholesterol, and lipoprotein.
3. Apolipoprotein (apo) B-48 is important for the formation of chylomicrons.

Chylomicron structure

How will you discuss the pathophysiology of Chylomicron?

1. This is the primary lipoprotein responsible for transporting fat from the diet, which is the exogenous source.
2. Chylomicron is a class of lipoproteins responsible for transporting exogenous cholesterol and triglyceride from the small intestine to the tissues after a meal.
   1. Chylomicron forms in the endoplasmic reticulum of intestinal epithelial cells.
   2. This consists of a core of triglyceride surrounded by a monolayer of a phospholipid, cholesterol, and apoproteins.

3. Chylomicron is synthesized from the intestine and released from there.
   1. Triglycerides are the major component.
      1. Apolipoproteins are only 1% to 2%. B-48, AI, AII, AIV, and C are the most common.
      2. The other components, like cholesterol, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and protein in very small amounts.
   2. Chylomicrons do not enter the portal system but go to the lymphatic system and thoracic duct.
      1. Then, it enters the jugular vein and the main systemic circulation.
      2. Now, lipoprotein lipases hydrolyze the triglyceride into monoglycerol, glycerol, and free fatty acids.
      3. These are taken up at the cellular level for energy metabolism or for synthesizing triglycerides for storage.

How will you discuss the Chylomicron structure?

1. Chylomicron also contains cholesterol, cholesterol ester, phospholipids, proteins, and apoproteins.
2. Chylomicron consists of :
   4. Triglycerides 84%
   5. Cholesterol 2%
   6. Cholesterol esters 5%
   7. Protein 2%
   8. Phospholipids 7%.

What are the functions of a chylomicron?

1. Chylomicron is responsible for transporting dietary fats from the small intestine to tissues such as adipose, cardiac, and skeletal muscles.
2. Chylomicron provides energy to the cardiac muscles and skeletal muscles.

What is the importance of lipoproteins?

1. Associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides lead to atherosclerosis.
3. High HDL level reduces cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

Table showing the summary of characteristics of the lipoproteins

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