Serum lipoproteins are a complex formed by the binding of lipids to proteins and are the form in which lipids are transported and metabolized in the blood.
Lipoproteins are categorized into different types based on their mobility in an electric field, i.e., celiac, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins.
In addition to being a diagnostic indicator of disorders of lipid metabolism, the measurement of serum lipoproteins is also valuable in the assessment of the risk of some diseases or in the monitoring of treatment. For example, LDL testing is used to assess the risk of atherosclerosis, and HDL is used to monitor the response to treatment with lipid-lowering drugs.
Individuals with abnormal serum lipoproteins should be seen and treated under the supervision of a physician.