From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Intermediate density lipoproteins belong to the lipoprotein particle family and are formed from the degradation of very low density lipoproteins. Each native IDL particle consists of protein that encircles various fatty acids; enabling, as a water soluble particle, these fatty acids to travel in the aqueous blood environment as part of the fat transport system within the body. Their size is generally 25 to 35 nm in diameter and they primarily contain a range of triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters. They are cleared from the plasma into the liver by receptor-mediated endocytosis, or further degraded to form LDL particles.
Generally, IDL, somewhat similar to LDL, transports a variety of triglyceride fats and cholesterol and similar to LDL, can also promote the growth of atheroma.
