Reptil lipropoteins: Structure, metabolism and comparative aspects

Abstract

Lipoproteins are spherical macromolecular complexes of lipids and specific proteins (apoproteins), the main ones being: chylomicrons, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). They differ in the lipid and protein composition, size and density. The separation of the same can be done through ultracentrifugation, where the density is used as a separation parameter, or by electrophoresis on agarose gel electrophoresis using the property as a parameter, in: α-lipoprotein (HDL), pre-β-lipoprotein (VLDL) and β-lipoprotein (LDL). In this review we aimed to address the importance of metabolism of  lipoproteins in reptiles and how it occurs, and its peculiarities in different groups of animals that are part of this class. The characteristics of the lipoproteins in reptiles vary in accordance with the order and animal species, but in all species there is a similarity with human lipoproteins, including the presence of several human homologues of apoproteins. However, the information on this molecular complex is scarce, when we consider the great diversity of the class Reptilia, thus requiring further studies, especially with reptiles subjected to food offered by humans, like animals in a productive purpose and housed in zoos. Recalling that disturbances in lipid metabolism may also occur, resulting in various diseases, such as obesity, and consequently reducing the productive and reproductive performance.