What determines whether a triglyceride is saturated or unsaturated?

Q. Is it the bonds?

A. A trigylceride (fat) is basically a glycerol molecule joined to three fatty acid molecules. The fatty acid molecules are often called "fatty acid chains" or "fatty acid tails".

Triglyceride structure:
http://www.indiana.edu/~oso/Fat/FatImg/triglyceride.jpg

If a triglyceride contains fatty acid tails with only single bonds in their structure, it is said to be saturated (saturated with hydrogens - it contains the maximum no. of C-H bonds).

If a triglyceride contains one or more fatty acid tails which contain at least one double bond in their structure, it is said to be unsaturated.

Here is a pic which shows the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats:
http://www.realfitnessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/fat_f2.jpg

As the pic above shows, saturated fats are usually straight, so the molecules can pack together tightly, which is why saturated fats are solids at room temp. The double bonds in the structure of unsaturated fats makes kinks in the chain preventing the neat packing together of these molecules, so most unsaturated fats are liquids at room temp.

Original Question

What is the function of Triglyceride and Phospholipid?

Q. Also, what are some examples of nucleic acids besides DNA and RNA?

Thanks!

A. Triglycerides and Phospholipids are present in the Plasma Membrane of the cell to make each cell regionally distinct from one another.

Original Question

Is cyclying good for reducing triglyceride level?

Q. I am having a triglyceride of 548. I cycle for 7Kms. daily. Is this good or I should necessarily walk instead of cycling ?

A. Triglycerides > 500 are targeted for treatment first because the increased risk for pancreatitis. Exercise alone will not be sufficient to reduce your triglycerides. In fact, elevated triglycerides will not give an accurate reading for LDL, HDL, etc.... [If you think the lab results are inaccurate, you can always get another lab done].

More than likely, your doctor has probably prescribed mediction (or a supplement such as fish oils with a titration schedule).

Medications used are:
1) Fibrates - fenofibrates, tricor, etc.... (
2) Trilipix - only one with FDA approval to be used in combination with a statin
3) Lovaza
4) Fish Oils
5) Niaspan - used to increase HDL but can also be used to decrease TG

Talk to you doctor for additional information.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How is the high density lipoprotein formed? And where specifically?

Q. Where does it come from?

A. It is made mainly near the blood vessels around the body, but the precursors come from the liver.

http://www.nature.com/nrd/journal/v4/n3/fig_tab/nrd1658_F2.html

There are a few sources with handy diagrams
http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=96842&rendTypeId=4

Original Question

How does HDL (High density lipoprotein) reduce the risk of atheroma formation,and Coronary Heart Disease?

Q. and what is the effect of low concentration of HDL inside the blood?

A. HDL carries cholesterol from the body tissues to the liver.

Lower HDL levels result in more cholesterol in blood leading to increased risk of atheroma formation,and Coronary Heart Disease.

Original Question

What is the role of (HDLs) High Density Lipoproteins in Human Lipoprotein Metabolism?

Q. What is the role of High Density Lipoproteins besides transporting proteins to VLDS (Very Low Density Lipoproteins) and picking up cholesterol from cell membranes and lipoproteins?

A. it takes those vldl and cholesterol to the liver for ketone body formation after beta oxidation of those.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How much cholesterol should the average person allow in their diet a day?

Q. Also my Cholesterol is 225, does that mean I should have less than the average person? How much is the right amount?
They did not tell me what my good cholesterol vs my bad cholesterol is but im concerned with how much intake I should allow.

A. Hi MaggieMay,

Itâs currently recommended, for individuals with normal cholesterol levels, to limit dietary cholesterol intake to 300 mg or less daily. If you have high LDL cholesterol, the current recommendations are to limit dietary cholesterol to 200 mg or less per day.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
http://www.lisanelsonrd.com

Original Question

When does cholesterol synthesis occurs during the night, or whenever one goes to sleeps?

Q. -Statins are suggested to be taken at night when cholesterol synthesis occurs most. But does this process occurs during the daytime as well, when certain individuals goes to sleep (such as those with overnight working schedules), or does synthesis occur when there is very little or no sunlight present?

A. Where do I ask a question?

Original Question

I have high cholesterol, and need to eat Oatmeal. What are some easy recipes?

Q. I can't just eat a bowl of Oatmeal! I never liked the mushy consistentcy. Anybody know any good recipes?
I can't even eat instant oatmeal! I am looking for some recipes that use oatmeal. Like some kind of oatmeal bars, or something simular!

A. Have you tried baked oatmeal? It's a little firmer.
INGREDIENTS

* 3 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup dried cranberries


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Beat in milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in dried cranberries. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Effects of low high density lipoprotein in human body function?

Q.

A. HDL carries the excess cholesterol (LDL) away from the arteries to the liver so that these won't cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Low HDL then means a higher risk of heart disease.

Additional
As the for answer from the lady below - try and check out her other posts about cholesterol...

Original Question

where is Low density lipoprotein (LDL) & High density lipoprotein (HDL) synthesized?

Q. Could you also let me know
1. HOW and WHERE they are removed from the bloodstream and
2. Dietary and lifestyle factors that may increase or decrease the amount in the blood (please explain).

I have been researching but I didn't find much.

A. HDL cholesterol "scavenges" your bad cholesterol and helps to eliminate LDL from the body. The only nonpharmacologic way to increase your HDL is to exercise.

Ingesting more soluble fiber lowers your LDL cholesterol because soluble fiber binds bile in the GI tract and it gets eliminated. Bile is synthesized using LDL, so that's why you sometimes see advertising on the side of quaker oats that they can lower your cholesterol. I believe the recommendation is to get 20-30 g of fiber / day.

Original Question

why would chylomicron, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein form a spherical shape?

Q. not sure if this is important:
chylomicron has 4% phospholipid, 90% triacylglycerol, 5% cholesterol, 1% protein.
low-density lipoprotein has 20% phospholipid, 10% triacylglycerol, 45% cholesterol, 25% protein.
high-density lipoprotein has 30% phospholipid, 5% triacylglycerol, 20% cholesterol, 45% protein.

A. Particles (and systems in general) always follow the "principal of least energy" which reduces the free energy of a system to minimum.

Phospholipids are polar compounds based upon a glycerol backbone. Two fatty acids are attached to the phospholipid at the sn-1, and sn-2 position (end and middle respectively). Both fatty acids are non-polar and hydrophobic (water-hating). The third spot is taken by a polar group at the sn-3 position (e.g. the other end) which is hydrophilic (water loving). In addition to polar amino acids and proteins, the outer side of the lipoprotein particles face the water while the hydrophobic portions point inward, where triglycerides, cholesterol and cholesterol esters are.

The hydrophilic outer portion allows lipoprotein particles to stay suspended in serum and blood. The inner lipid and sterol portion attract each other and form a stable system.

The shape that reduces free energy to a minimum is a sphere so lipoprotein particles assume that shape.

Without the phospholipids and proteins surrounding the water-insoluble portions, the lipid and sterol molecules would simply coalesce, which would result in blobs of fat accumulating in the circulatory system.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Effects of low high density lipoprotein in human body function?

Q.

A. HDL carries the excess cholesterol (LDL) away from the arteries to the liver so that these won't cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Low HDL then means a higher risk of heart disease.

Additional
As the for answer from the lady below - try and check out her other posts about cholesterol...

Original Question

Where is Low density lipoprotein (LDL) & High density lipoprotein (HDL) synthesized?

Q. Could you also let me know
1. HOW and WHERE they are removed from the bloodstream and
2. Dietary and lifestyle factors that may increase or decrease the amount in the blood (please explain).

I have been researching but I didn't find much.

A. Mostly the liver makes LDL and HDL which are fats/cholesterol..
You can stop eating cholesterol for the rest of your life and still have high levels. How can this be? For starters, all of your cells can create cholesterol. This is good because every cell in your body needs it to form protective membranes. Your body actually monitors your cells, and if it senses that a cell doesn't have enough cholesterol, it will produce more. Cholesterol also is an essential building block for naturally produced vitamin D and other good stuff, like estrogen and testosterone. But even though every cell can make its own cholesterol, some cells need extra help with their supply. This is where your liver comes in.
Your body, mainly your liver, produces 75 percent of your cholesterol; your small intestine also aids in both the creation and absorption of cholesterol [source: AHA]. The average diet adds another 300 to 500 mg of cholesterol [source: Schafer]. This external cholesterol comes from animal and dairy products. But even if you eat foods without cholesterol, the carbs, fats and proteins all break down eventually and release carbon, which your liver turns into cholesterol.

Original Question

where is Low density lipoprotein (LDL) & High density lipoprotein (HDL) synthesized?

Q. Could you also let me know
1. HOW and WHERE they are removed from the bloodstream and
2. Dietary and lifestyle factors that may increase or decrease the amount in the blood (please explain).

I have been researching but I didn't find much.

A. HDL cholesterol "scavenges" your bad cholesterol and helps to eliminate LDL from the body. The only nonpharmacologic way to increase your HDL is to exercise.

Ingesting more soluble fiber lowers your LDL cholesterol because soluble fiber binds bile in the GI tract and it gets eliminated. Bile is synthesized using LDL, so that's why you sometimes see advertising on the side of quaker oats that they can lower your cholesterol. I believe the recommendation is to get 20-30 g of fiber / day.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Where is Low density lipoprotein (LDL) & High density lipoprotein (HDL) synthesized?

Q. Could you also let me know
1. HOW and WHERE they are removed from the bloodstream and
2. Dietary and lifestyle factors that may increase or decrease the amount in the blood (please explain).

I have been researching but I didn't find much.

A. Mostly the liver makes LDL and HDL which are fats/cholesterol..
You can stop eating cholesterol for the rest of your life and still have high levels. How can this be? For starters, all of your cells can create cholesterol. This is good because every cell in your body needs it to form protective membranes. Your body actually monitors your cells, and if it senses that a cell doesn't have enough cholesterol, it will produce more. Cholesterol also is an essential building block for naturally produced vitamin D and other good stuff, like estrogen and testosterone. But even though every cell can make its own cholesterol, some cells need extra help with their supply. This is where your liver comes in.
Your body, mainly your liver, produces 75 percent of your cholesterol; your small intestine also aids in both the creation and absorption of cholesterol [source: AHA]. The average diet adds another 300 to 500 mg of cholesterol [source: Schafer]. This external cholesterol comes from animal and dairy products. But even if you eat foods without cholesterol, the carbs, fats and proteins all break down eventually and release carbon, which your liver turns into cholesterol.

Original Question

where is Low density lipoprotein (LDL) & High density lipoprotein (HDL) synthesized?

Q. Could you also let me know
1. HOW and WHERE they are removed from the bloodstream and
2. Dietary and lifestyle factors that may increase or decrease the amount in the blood (please explain).

I have been researching but I didn't find much.

A. HDL cholesterol "scavenges" your bad cholesterol and helps to eliminate LDL from the body. The only nonpharmacologic way to increase your HDL is to exercise.

Ingesting more soluble fiber lowers your LDL cholesterol because soluble fiber binds bile in the GI tract and it gets eliminated. Bile is synthesized using LDL, so that's why you sometimes see advertising on the side of quaker oats that they can lower your cholesterol. I believe the recommendation is to get 20-30 g of fiber / day.

Original Question

why would chylomicron, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein form a spherical shape?

Q. not sure if this is important:
chylomicron has 4% phospholipid, 90% triacylglycerol, 5% cholesterol, 1% protein.
low-density lipoprotein has 20% phospholipid, 10% triacylglycerol, 45% cholesterol, 25% protein.
high-density lipoprotein has 30% phospholipid, 5% triacylglycerol, 20% cholesterol, 45% protein.

A. Particles (and systems in general) always follow the "principal of least energy" which reduces the free energy of a system to minimum.

Phospholipids are polar compounds based upon a glycerol backbone. Two fatty acids are attached to the phospholipid at the sn-1, and sn-2 position (end and middle respectively). Both fatty acids are non-polar and hydrophobic (water-hating). The third spot is taken by a polar group at the sn-3 position (e.g. the other end) which is hydrophilic (water loving). In addition to polar amino acids and proteins, the outer side of the lipoprotein particles face the water while the hydrophobic portions point inward, where triglycerides, cholesterol and cholesterol esters are.

The hydrophilic outer portion allows lipoprotein particles to stay suspended in serum and blood. The inner lipid and sterol portion attract each other and form a stable system.

The shape that reduces free energy to a minimum is a sphere so lipoprotein particles assume that shape.

Without the phospholipids and proteins surrounding the water-insoluble portions, the lipid and sterol molecules would simply coalesce, which would result in blobs of fat accumulating in the circulatory system.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How is cholesterol calculated and can you have too much good cholesterol?

Q. I went to the doctor and my cholesterol was 246 which isn't so good but my good cholesterol was 65, which she said is great. Is the LDL what's remaining after the good cholesterol is subtracted from the total? Can you have too much HDL?

A. HDL are "high-density lipoproteins" which is fancy doctor talk for cells that are high in protein, low in fat/cholesterol. This is preferred, as this is what "feeds" the body with growth proteins. Proteins power "cell" creation and repair (only). Things like muscle, skin, hair, etc...anything that grows or requires frequent repair benefit from higher counts of HDL. HDL's increase in demand with more activity. Specifically 'cardio' (meaning heart) workouts. You really can't have "too much" HDL's because if the body doesnt need the level of proteins in the blood sugar, it simply release it as it passes through the kidneys. We pee out excess proteins. They do NOT convert to bodyfat like some bodybuilders like to beleive.

LDLs are of course "Low density", meaning low protein high fat. LDL's partially provide energy to "active" muscles. The cells are often "coated" with saturated fats. As these move around the body feeding active muscles, they 'bump along' the artery walls, the leave little "skid marks" so to speak. These marks build up to become plaque, and can cause heart decrease. Reducing LDL's to under 200, (or 150 even better) would be good advice but often requires medication, diet modification, AND more physical activity.

Original Question

How is cholesterol good for you and your body?

Q. Explain the benefits of cholesterol for the body and its functions. How does it affect joints and organs?

A. Americans are being saturated with anti-cholesterol propaganda. If you watch very much television, you're probably one of the millions of Americans who now has a terminal case of cholesterol phobia. The probaganda is relentless and is often designed to produce fear and loathing of this works of all food contaminants. You never hear the food propagandists bragging about their product being fluoride free or aluminum free, two of our truly serious food-addidtive problems. But cholesterol, an essential nutrient not proven to be harmfull in ANY quantity is constantly pilloried as a menance to your health. If you don't use corn oil, Fleishmann's margarine and Egg Beaters, you are going straight to atherosclerosis hell with stroke, heart attack and premature aging and so are your kids.

William Campbell Douglass, MD
Eat Your Cholesterol

Original Question

How much cholesterol would be in a ostrich egg?

Q. Actually, you can eat ostrich eggs. Eggs are eggs. Just to let you know.

A. An ostrich egg is supposed to be equal to 2 dozen chicken eggs. That would mean 2520 grams of cholesterol.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers