| Noun | 1. | lipoprotein - a conjugated protein having a lipid component; the principal means for transporting lipids in the bloodalpha-lipoprotein, HDL, high-density lipoprotein - a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood; composed of a high proportion of protein and relatively little cholesterol; high levels are thought to be associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis beta-lipoprotein, LDL, low-density lipoprotein - a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood; composed of moderate amount of protein and a large amount of cholesterol; high levels are thought to be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis very low density lipoprotein, VLDL - large lipoproteins rich in triglycerides; VLDLs circulate through the blood giving up their triglycerides to fat and muscle tissue until the VLDL remnants are modified and converted into LDL | |