Very Low Density Lipoproteins

Also known as:  VLDL

Very Low Density Lipoproteins are a type of Lipoprotein manufactured by the Liver.

VLDLs represent approximately 10% to 15% of the total circulating Lipoproteins in normal, healthy persons.

 50% Triglycerides

 22% Cholesterol (the Cholesterol percentage of VLDLs increases in high-Cholesterol diets)

 18% Phospholipids

 9% Proteins (Apoproteins):

 3.6% Apoprotein (b) (ApoB)

 VLDLs obtain their constituent Fatty Acids from Adipose Tissue, Carbohydrate-derived Lipids and the hydrolysis of Lipoprotein Triglycerides in the Liver.

Metabolism

 VLDLs are essential for the export (removal) of Triglycerides from the Liver:

 VLDLs travel through the bloodstream delivering Triglycerides to tissues that require them.

 After depositing Triglycerides in tissues, VLDLs transfer their Apoproteins to High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs).

 When VLDLs have transferred their Apoproteins and Triglycerides they become Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLs).