The major lipoprotein types: very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
In normal man, the plasma low density lipoproteins (LDL) are the major carriers of plasma cholesterol, whereas the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) transport endogenous triglycerides.
VLDL functions is to transport triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues, where they are hydrolyzed to provide fatty acids that can be oxidized to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for energy production.
VLDL, a component of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is identified as a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
They are triglyceride-rich, but their triglyceride content is lower and cholesterol content higher than that of chylomicrons.
Through the activity of extrahepatic lipoprotein lipase, VLDL lose most of their content of triglyceride to form particles poor in triglyceride and rich in cholesterol termed intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL).
Very-low-density lipoprotein
