Cardiovascular & Immune System Support Flashcards

What is the primary protective function of HDL cholesterol?

Answer: Reverse cholesterol transport from tissues back to the liver

HDL carries excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for excretion.

Why is oxidized LDL considered more atherogenic than native LDL?

Answer: It is readily taken up by macrophages, forming foam cells in arterial plaque

Macrophages engulf oxidized LDL through scavenger receptors, forming foam cells that initiate plaque.

Which lab marker is commonly used to assess systemic inflammation related to cardiovascular risk?

Answer: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)

hs-CRP is a liver-produced acute-phase protein that reflects low-grade vascular inflammation.

Lipoprotein(a) is best described as which of the following?

Answer: A largely genetically determined, independent cardiovascular risk factor

Lp(a) levels are mostly inherited and respond minimally to lifestyle changes.

Dietary nitrates from foods like beets and leafy greens support cardiovascular health primarily by doing what?

Answer: Increasing nitric oxide to promote vasodilation

Nitrates are converted to nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Selenium supports immune function mainly as a component of which enzymes?

Answer: Glutathione peroxidases and other selenoproteins

Selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase protect immune cells from oxidative damage and regulate inflammation.

Which compounds derived from omega-3 fats help actively resolve inflammation?

Answer: Specialized pro-resolving mediators such as resolvins

Resolvins, protectins, and maresins derived from EPA and DHA help terminate the inflammatory response.