Defects in lipoprotein synthesis cause imbalances in lipid distribution in the body. One such imbalance, the lack of lipoprotein, may lead to the accumulation of triglycerides inside the liver. Blood lipids are a heterogeneous complex and are bound to various blood plasma protein fractions with almost equal amount of triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol. The distinction of lipoprotein carriers is based on their density. Chylomicrons show the lowest density of all lipoproteins having the highest lipid to protein ratio of all.
Alpha globins are the major component of HDLs and beta globins the major component of LDLs.
Each of the lipoprotein classes play a distinct role in lipid transport. The major target tissue is adipose tissue. After unloading its triglycerides the VLDL is converted to an LDL particle. LDL carries the bulk of plasma cholesterol. The targets are peripheral tissues and the cholesterol exists in an esterified form.