Figure 1

Hepatic lipid and plasma lipoprotein metabolism. The mathematical model has three compartments representing the liver, blood plasma, and peripheral tissues. The liver compartment includes reactions representing the production, utilization and storage of triglycerides and cholesterols, and the mobilization of these metabolites to the endoplasmic reticulum, where they are incorporated into nascent produced VLDL particles. The VLDL particles are secreted in the plasma compartment where they serve as nutrients for peripheral tissues. Remnant particles are taken up and cleared by the liver. The model furthermore includes the hepatic uptake of free fatty acids and reverse cholesterol transport via HDL. ABCA1, ATP-binding cassette transporter 1; ACAT, acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase; ApoB, apolipoprotein B; CE, cholesterylester; DGAT, diglyceride acyltransferase; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; FFA, free fatty acid; FC, free cholesterol; HDL, high-density-lipoprotein; HSL, hormone-sensitive lipase; IDL, intermediate density lipoprotein; LDL, low density lipoprotein; LDLr, low density lipoprotein receptor; LPL, lipoprotein lipase; MTP, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein; SR-B1, scavenger receptor class B1; TG, triglyceride; TGH, triglyceride hydrolase; VLDL, very low density lipoprotein; VLDLr, very low density lipoprotein receptor.