There are several underlying disorders in which xanthomas are caused by a disturbance in
lipid (fat) metabolism. Because lipids are insoluble in water they combine with proteins to form compounds called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins transport lipids and cholesterol in the blood to different parts of the body. Depending on their size and weight, the common lipoproteins are classified as chylomicrons, very-
low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density-lipoproteins (
LDL), and high-density-lipoproteins (
HDL). They all have a role to play in maintaining metabolic functioning of the body.
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