Lipoprotein metabolism and CKD: overview

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently display abnormalities of plasma lipids and lipoproteins. These abnormalities include hypertriglyceridemia associated with elevated levels of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and chylomicrons. There is often also an increase in the concentration of the atherogenic, cholesterol-enriched remnants of VLDLs and chylomicrons. The concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is usually normal, but there is frequently a decrease in concentration of the cardio-protective high-density lipoproteins. There is also often an increase in the concentration of the atherogenic lipoprotein (a) particles. This article provides an overview of plasma lipoprotein transport and identifies mechanisms responsible for the abnormalities observed in patients with CKD.