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Lipoprotein:- part 4 – Chylomicron

August 9, 2026Chemical pathologyLab Tests

Table of Contents

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  • Chylomicron
        • What sample is needed for Chylomicron?
        • How will you define chylomicron?
        • How will you discuss the pathophysiology of chylomicrons?
        • How will you discuss the Chylomicron structure?
        • What are the functions of a chylomicron?
        • What is the importance of lipoproteins?
      • Questions and answers:

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 sample is stable for one week at 4 °C.

How will you define chylomicron?

  1. A chylomicron is a particulate form of lipoprotein responsible for transporting exogenous cholesterol and triglycerides from the small intestine to adipose tissue after a 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

Chylomicron structure

How will you discuss the pathophysiology of chylomicrons?

  1. This is the primary lipoprotein responsible for transporting dietary fat, which is the exogenous source.
  2. Chylomicrons are a class of lipoproteins responsible for transporting exogenous cholesterol and triglycerides from the small intestine to the tissues after a meal.
  3. Chylomicron forms in the endoplasmic reticulum of intestinal epithelial cells.
  4. This consists of a core of triglycerides surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipids, cholesterol, and apoproteins.
Chylomicron structure

Chylomicron structure

  1. Chylomicron is synthesized in the intestine and released from there.
  2. 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 include cholesterol, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and protein in very small amounts.
  3. Chylomicrons do not enter the portal system but go to the lymphatic system and thoracic duct.
    1. Then, they enter 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.
Chylomicron metabolism

Chylomicron metabolism

How will you discuss the Chylomicron structure?

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

Chylomicron composition

What are the functions of a chylomicron?

  1. A chylomicron transports dietary fats from the small intestine to tissues such as adipose, cardiac, and skeletal muscle.
  2. Chylomicron provides energy to the cardiac muscles and skeletal muscles.
Chylomicron role in energy production

Chylomicron role in energy production

Chylomicron metabolism

Chylomicron metabolism

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 levels reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

Table showing the summary of characteristics of the lipoproteins

Characteristics Chylomicron HDL LDL VLDL
  • Plasma appearance
Creamy layer, slightly turbid Clear Clear or yellow-orange tint Turbid to opaque
  • Size (diameter nm)
>70.0 4 to 10 19.6 to 22.7 25 to 70
  • Electrophoretic mobility
Origin α – region β – region Pre – β region
  • Molecular weight
0.4 to 30 x 109 3.6 x 109 2.75 x 109 5 to 10 x 109
  • Synthesized in (Tissue of origin)
Intestine Intestine and liver Intravascular Liver and intestine
  • Composition by weight in %
                     Cholesterol esterified 5 38 49 11 to 14
                    Cholesterol unesterified 2 10 13 5 to 8
                    Triglycerides 84 9 11 44 to 60
                    Phospholipids 7 22 27 20 to 23
                    Proteins 2 21 23 4 to 11
  • Triglycerides
Markedly raised Normal Normal/ Raised Moderately to Markedly raised
  • Clinical significance of
Pancreatitis and acute abdomen Decreased risk of CAD Increased risk of CAD Increased risk of CAD
  • Functions
Transport dietary lipids to tissue Carry cholesterol from tissue to liver Carries cholesterol to tissue

Transport endogenous TG from the

liver to adipose tissue

Questions and answers:

Question 1: What is the main function of the chylomicron?
Chylomicrons transport fats to adipose tissue and muscles.

[question-answer number=”2″ question=” What is a major component of a chylomicron?” answer=” Triglyceride is the major component of the chylomicron.”

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Possible References Used
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