Understanding lipoproteins as transporters of cholesterol and other lipids.

A clear picture of lipoprotein metabolism is essential for understanding the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Many students are taught that low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol is "bad" and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol is "good." This misconception leads to students thinking that lipoproteins are types of cholesterol rather than transporters of lipid. Describing lipoproteins as particles that are composed of lipid and protein and illustrating the variation in particle density that is determined by the constantly changing lipid and protein composition clarifies the metabolic pathway and physiological function of lipoproteins as lipid transporters. Such a description will also suggest the critical role played by apolipoproteins in lipid transport. The clarification of lipoproteins as particles that change density will help students understand the nomenclature used to classify lipoproteins as well.