224 OLIVE OILS AND HEALTH AORTIC INTIMA The tunica intima, or simply the intima, is the innermost layer of an artery or vein, in this case, the aorta artery. It consists of endothelial cells that are in direct contact with the bloodstream and is supported by the internal elastic lamina. STRUCTURE OF AN ARTERIAL WALL internal elastic lamina endothelium external elastic lamina smooth muscle tunica adventitia tunica media tunica intima ApoE4 Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein involved in fat metabolism in mammals. It has several subtypes, one of which -E4- is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular conditions. Apolipoprotein A1 The main protein component of the lipid particles known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which transport the so-called “protective” cholesterol in the bloodstream. Apolipoprotein B The main protein component of the lipid particles known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which carry the so-called “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream. APOPTOSIS Apoptosis is a normal mechanism of genetically programmed cell death, used by the body to eliminate unneeded or abnormal cells. A classic example during human embryonic development is the separation of the fingers, which occurs when the cells between them are removed by apoptosis. In adult life, apoptosis helps remove aged cells, such as worn-out red blood cells and skin cells. It also regulates physiological processes, including the shedding of cells from the uterine lining or mammary gland at the end of each menstrual cycle, or the removal of unfertilised eggs. Apoptosis is also triggered to destroy damaged cells, playing a vital role in preventing diseases such as cancer, which can arise from the uncontrolled replication of abnormal cells. A well-known example in the animal world is the loss of the tail when a tadpole transforms into an adult frog. ARACHIDONIC ACID (See LIPIDS /Unsaturated lipids / polyunsaturated lipids ω-6)
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