Triglyceride metabolism and classification of hypertriglyceridemias

Abstract

Triglycerides (TG) are the most important molecules for the energy reserve of our body. After their hepatic or intestinal synthesis from fatty acids, they are carried by chylomicrons (QM (intestinal origin) or VLDL (hepatic origin) in plasma. Their catabolism is determined by the action of the lipoprotein lipase protein complex (LPL) and the hepatic receptors (RLDL and LRP-1) are responsible for their clearance are. Changes in the production or catabolism leads to hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG). The HTG are classified according to severity as, mild-moderate (150-885mg/dl), severe (>885mg/dl), or very severe (>1770mg/dl). They can be primary and secondary depending on origin. In the main primary form is highlighted Familial Chylomicronaemia Syndrome (CFS), a very severe form due to mutations in the LPL gene or associated proteins. Most HTG are due to a combination of genetic and environmental predisposing factors.

Keywords: Chylomicrons; Familial chylomicronaemia syndrome; Hipertrigliceridemia; Hypertriglyceridaemia; Quilomicrones; Síndrome quilomicronémico familiar; Triglicéridos; Triglycerides.