Comprehensive Guide to Triglycerides, Lipids, and Protein Biochemistry

Triglycerides (TGs)

Fat molecules also called lipids, esters of glycerol and fatty acids.

Glycerol

Trihydric alcohol forming the backbone of triglycerides.

Normal triglyceride levels for adults (mg/dL)

Normal: <150 mg/dL, Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL, High: 200-499 mg/dL, Very high: ≥500 mg/dL.

Exogenous triglycerides

TGs obtained from diet.

Endogenous triglycerides

TGs synthesized by liver from other molecules.

Hypertriglyceridemia

Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood.

Normal fasting triglyceride level

<150 mg/dL.

Hypotriglyceridemia

Abnormally low triglyceride levels in the bloodstream (below 50 mg/dL).

Hyperthyroidism

Condition associated with low triglyceride levels.

Hypothyroidism

Condition that slows metabolism, increasing cholesterol.

LDL receptors

A protein on liver cells that grabs LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Thyroid hormone

Regulates body's metabolism and increases the number of LDL receptors on liver cells.

Risk factors affecting triglycerides

Lifestyle factors include stress, lack of sleep, sedentary habits, and smoking.

Obesity

A health condition associated with high triglycerides.

Diabetes Mellitus Type II

High glucose level often associated with high triglycerides due to insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance

Occurs when cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to high blood sugar.

Metabolic syndrome/disorder

Presence of a cluster of risk factors specific to cardiovascular disease.

How to prevent metabolic disorders

Losing weight, healthy diet, and healthy lifestyle.

Cardiovascular disease

High triglycerides increase plaque buildup in blood vessels, leading to heart disease.

Preparation for triglyceride test

Fasting for 8 hours for accurate triglyceride measurement.

Steps to lower triglycerides

Healthy diet, exercise, weight control, limit alcohol, and quit smoking.

Statins

Medications that lower cholesterol (e.g., Atorvastatin).

Fibrates

Medications that lower triglycerides (e.g., Gemfibrozil).

Niacin

Lowers LDL and raises HDL.

Fish oil

Helps lower cholesterol levels and supports heart and brain health.

Alcohol effect on proteins

Promotes protein aggregation and alters secondary structures.

Biuret test

Test that indicates the number of peptide bonds in protein.

Isoelectric point of a protein

The pH at which a protein carries no net electrical charge.

Peptide bond

Covalent bond that holds amino acids together.

Kwashiorkor

Primarily associated with protein deficiency.