Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)

VLDL is a type of lipoprotein made by the liver. VLDL enables fats and cholesterol to move within the water-based solution of the bloodstream. The VLDL particles mainly carry triglycerides, in contrast to LDL which carries cholesterol. VLDL transports endogenous products, whereas chylomicrons transport exogenous (dietary) products [1,2].

VLDL, the same as LDL, is considered "bad" cholesterols because both can contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Atherosclerosis, in turn, can lead to coronary artery disease and other heart diseases [3].

The role of VLDL in atherosclerosis.

When your liver produces more VLDLs than you need, your body has to metabolize them (break them down). Your body uses VLDLs to make intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDLs) and ultimately LDLs. These are important lipoproteins that your body needs. But, again, your body only needs so many. Excess LDLs in your blood can become trapped inside the walls of your arteries and promote plaque growth.

Research shows that the combination of high VLDLs and high LDLs is more dangerous than high levels of either of those alone. Plus, when your body breaks down VLDLs to make LDLs, some leftover bits remain. These “remnant particles” are made mostly of cholesterol. They’re small enough to get trapped inside your artery walls and promote atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is dangerous because it narrows your arteries and raises your risk for various forms of cardiovascular disease, including:

Coronary artery disease.

Cerebrovascular disease.

Peripheral artery disease.

Aortic aneurysm.

1.       Gibbons GF, Wiggins D, Brown AM, Hebbachi AM (2004). "Synthesis and function of hepatic very-low-density lipoprotein". Biochem Soc Trans. 32 (Pt 1): 59–64. doi:10.1042/bst0320059.

2.       HDL (good), LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. (2017). Available online: www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/hdl-good-ldl-bad-cholesterol-and-triglycerides - .Wt-5e9PwbBK

3.       VLDL cholesterol. (n.d.). Available online: www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=vldl_cholesterol