What is the main function of HDL in lipid metabolism?

What is the main function of HDL in lipid metabolism?

• A. Transport cholesterol from liver to cells
• B. Transport cholesterol from cells to liver
• C. Deliver triglycerides to the bloodstream
• D. Convert VLDL to LDL

Answer: (B)

The main function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in lipid metabolism is to transport cholesterol from cells back to the liver. This process is crucial in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in the body. HDL is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues, including cells and arterial walls, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. This reverse cholesterol transport is facilitated through various enzymes and receptors that assist HDL in binding and taking up cholesterol, which is then delivered to the liver for recycling or excretion. The liver can then use this cholesterol for various functions, including the synthesis of bile acids or the formation of new lipoproteins. In contrast, the other choices refer to processes involving other lipoproteins or functions not performed by HDL. Transporting cholesterol from the liver to cells is primarily the role of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), while delivering triglycerides is a function of very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). Additionally, converting VLDL to LDL is a metabolic process that happens in circulation but does not pertain to the primary function of HDL. Thus, the role of HDL in transporting cholesterol back to the liver is a fundamental aspect of lipid metabolism and

The main function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in lipid metabolism is to transport cholesterol from cells back to the liver. This process is crucial in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in the body. HDL is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues, including cells and arterial walls, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

This reverse cholesterol transport is facilitated through various enzymes and receptors that assist HDL in binding and taking up cholesterol, which is then delivered to the liver for recycling or excretion. The liver can then use this cholesterol for various functions, including the synthesis of bile acids or the formation of new lipoproteins.

In contrast, the other choices refer to processes involving other lipoproteins or functions not performed by HDL. Transporting cholesterol from the liver to cells is primarily the role of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), while delivering triglycerides is a function of very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). Additionally, converting VLDL to LDL is a metabolic process that happens in circulation but does not pertain to the primary function of HDL. Thus, the role of HDL in transporting cholesterol back to the liver is a fundamental aspect of lipid metabolism and