Triglycerides

16 Azn

General Information:
Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) composed of glycerol, which is an alcohol ester, and three fatty acids. Their primary function is to serve as an energy substrate. Endogenous triglycerides are synthesized in the liver and adipose tissue, while triglycerides from dietary sources are re-synthesized in the small intestine from digested monoglycerides and fatty acids.

Triglycerides from the small intestine are transported via lymphatic vessels in the form of chylomicrons (a transport form of lipids). In the bloodstream, triglycerides are broken down by the enzyme lipoprotein lipase in the vascular endothelium. The resulting fatty acids are either stored in adipose tissue as triglycerides or used by muscles and other tissues as an energy source.

When stored triglycerides are needed for energy, they are hydrolyzed in adipose tissue under the influence of glucagon-activated lipase. Released fatty acids enter the bloodstream and are utilized as energy substrates.

The levels of triglycerides in the blood fluctuate throughout the day, depending on food intake. Levels rise 30–60 minutes after eating, causing plasma to become turbid due to the presence of chylomicrons (lipemia), and return to baseline within 12 hours.
 

Transport of Triglycerides:
Triglycerides are water-insoluble and are transported in the blood as lipoprotein complexes. These include:

  • Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL)
  • Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)
  • High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

Triglycerides are primarily transported in the body via VLDL. Elevated triglyceride levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to factors such as physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes. Additionally, high triglyceride levels increase the risk of acute pancreatitis, a severe inflammatory condition of the pancreas.

  • Venous blood is required.
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 12 hours before the test.
  • Avoid physical and emotional stress for 30 minutes before the test.
  • Assessment of atherosclerosis risk (alongside cholesterol and its fractions).
  • Gout.
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Myocardial infarction.
  • Evaluation of inherited metabolic disorders.
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of a low-animal-fat diet or triglyceride-lowering medications.
  • As part of a lipid profile (measuring cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and the atherogenic index) for individuals over 20 years old, every 5 years.
  • Routine preventive screenings.
  • Patients with diabetes or one or more of the following risk factors:
    • Smoking.
    • Age (>45 years for men, >55 years for women).
    • High blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg).
    • Family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart attack or stroke in male relatives under 55 or female relatives under 65).
    • Coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke.
    • Obesity.
    • Excessive alcohol consumption.
    • Diet high in animal fats.
    • Low physical activity.

For children with a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, the first test is recommended between 2 and 10 years of age.

Elevated Triglycerides:

  • Primary Causes:

    • Genetic predisposition (familial hyperlipidemia).
    • Excessive intake of animal fats.
  • Associated Risk Factors:

    • Diabetes.
    • Hypertension.
    • Smoking.
    • Obesity.
    • Alcohol consumption.
  • Diseases:

    • Acute or chronic pancreatitis.
    • Liver or kidney diseases.