291 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits The cell membrane, also known as the cytoplasmic membrane or plasma membrane, is a structure that surrounds and defines the boundary of all cells, separating their internal contents from the external environment. It should not be confused with the cell wall, a rigid outer layer found only in the cells of plants, fungi, algae, bacteria, and bacteria-like microorganisms known as archaea. In these organisms, the cell wall lies outside the cell membrane. Animal cells do not have a cell wall. The cell membrane is primarily composed of a lipid bilayer made up of phospholipids and cholesterol. It also contains proteins and carbohydrates, which are usually bound to lipids (glycolipids) or proteins (glycoproteins). Cell membranes perform a wide range of essential functions: they support the cell’s structure and help maintain its shape; they act as a protective barrier against invading agents; and they regulate the selective transport of substances into and out of the cell. Some of the membrane proteins enable communication with other cells or external molecules by transmitting signals into the cell and triggering appropriate responses. (See also “Phospholipids”) META-ANALYSIS / META-ANALYSES (See EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES) METABOLIC SYNDROME (See also Chapter 11, which specifically addresses this topic; the following description is taken directly from that chapter) In clinical practice, metabolic syndrome refers to a condition closely linked to the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is diagnosed when three or more of the following risk factors are present: a waist circumference above 102 cm in men or 88 cm in women; blood triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL; HDL cholesterol levels below 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women; systolic blood pressure (maximum) above 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (minimum) above 85 mm Hg, or the use of medication to treat high blood pressure; and fasting blood glucose above 100 mg/dL. Fortunately, the risk factors for metabolic syndrome are modifiable. There is evidence that changes in diet (particularly when part of an overall healthy dietary pattern) combined with regular physical activity, may contribute to the prevention and management of this condition.
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