**3. The normal function of the LSEC in regulation of blood lipids**

Because of the LSECs fenestrae, all lipoproteins except large chylomicrons have unimpeded access to the hepatocytes. After delivering triglycerides to peripheral tissues, chylomicrons become processed into so-called "chylomicron remnants" that carry significant amounts of cholesterol and are highly pro-atherogenic (Fujioka and Ishikawa, 2009; Karpe et al., 1994). At the same time they become small enough to pass through LSECs fenestrae (Fujioka and Ishikawa, 2009) and can be taken up by hepatocytes, which allows liver parenchyma to be the major site for removal of pro-atherogenic chylomicron remnants from the blood (Cooper, 1997; Dietschy et al., 1993) under normal circumstances. However, fast and efficient blood clearance of highly atherogenic chylomicron-remnants by hepatocytes requires well fenestrated LSECs.
