Dyslipidemia in Metabolic Syndrome: an Overview of Lipoprotein- Related Disorders

Abstract

The significance of plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and each lipoprotein class namely chylomicrons, low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), and high density lipoproteins (HDL) has been tested time and again for their reliability as diagnostic markers of dyslipidemia. The prevalence of dyslipidemia-related metabolic syndrome is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. This review will focus on the characteristics of major classes of lipoproteins (LPs) and their coexistence with TG and apolipoprotein as estimates of the intensity of metabolic syndrome. It will deal with the suitability of animal models for dyslipidemic studies that match with clinical conditions of diabetes, atherosclerosis and obesity. It also sums up published research and clinical case studies in support of the conceptual paradigm shift from the use of simple lipids to oxidized LDL (OxLDL) and apolipoproteins as diagnostic markers of dyslipidemia. Further, it briefly discusses the use of non-pharmacological approach such as exercise and diet as an effective means of management of dyslipidemia in human as well as subhuman species. Finally, it presents evidence for treatment of dyslipidemia with specific targets, LP and TG as the appropriate therapy only when non-pharamacological means fail to accomplish the standard lipid profile.