Postprandial triglycerides and endothelial function.

Several studies support the association between postprandially elevated triglyceride levels and atherosclerosis. Histological and cell culture investigations revealed, that triglyceride rich postprandial lipoproteins are taken up by macrophages and smooth muscle cells and are detectable as part of foam cells in vascular lesions. Remnant particles, generated by lipolysis of postprandial lipoproteins in vitro and fatty acids increase the permeability of the endothelium and are cytotoxic for endothelial cells.