Which lipoprotein is most enriched in cholesterol and implicated in artery plaque buildup?

• A. HDL
• B. IDL
• C. LDL
• D. Chylomicrons

Answer: (C)

Low-density lipoprotein carries the majority of circulating cholesterol and has a high cholesterol content per particle. It can infiltrate the arterial wall, and when it becomes oxidized, it promotes inflammatory processes and uptake by macrophages, leading to foam cell formation and plaque buildup. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein helps remove cholesterol from arteries, and chylomicrons and IDL play different roles with less direct involvement in cholesterol-rich plaque formation. Therefore, the lipoprotein most enriched in cholesterol and implicated in artery plaque buildup is LDL.