Inflammation is a feature of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, however, it is also critical to a healthy immune response. Apolipoprotein B, a protein synthesized by the liver, allows for the rapid production of lipoproteins during an immune response. This system provides a mechanism to quickly deliver pro-inflammatory factors that the body needs during a viral or bacterial infection. However, in modern times the inflammatory stimulus may also come from an arterial plaque. While this system might have served an important function evolutionarily, today it contributes to the chronic inflammation associated with heart disease. In this clip, Dr. Ronald Krauss discusses the role of inflammation in lipoprotein metabolism.