very low density lipoprotein
A scientist points to a diagram of a very low density lipoprotein in a biology textbook.
Noun: A type of lipoprotein, a biochemical particle, that is synthesized by the liver and is responsible for transporting endogenous triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters from the liver to peripheral tissues. It is characterized by having the lowest density among the major lipoprotein classes due to its high triglyceride content relative to protein.
This is a technical, scientific term used primarily in the fields of biochemistry, medicine, and nutrition. It is often abbreviated as VLDL. It is used to discuss lipid metabolism, cardiovascular health, and diagnostic blood tests. - High levels of very low density lipoprotein in the blood are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. - The doctor reviewed the lipid panel, noting the patient's elevated very low density lipoprotein.
- Metabolic Pathway: VLDL is a precursor to other lipoproteins. As it circulates, enzymes remove triglycerides, causing it to become denser and eventually transform into intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and then low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
- The enzyme lipoprotein lipase hydrolyzes the triglycerides in very low density lipoprotein.
- VLDL (noun): The standard acronym.
- The lab report listed VLDL cholesterol.
- Lipoprotein (noun): The broader category of particles to which VLDL belongs.
- Hypertriglyceridemia (noun): A medical condition often characterized by high levels of VLDL.
- Pre-beta lipoprotein: An older term based on its migration pattern in electrophoresis.
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often called "bad cholesterol," it is a metabolic product of VLDL.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Often called "good cholesterol," it has a different function and density.
- Chylomicron: Another triglyceride-rich lipoprotein that transports dietary fats.
A scientist points to a diagram of a very low density lipoprotein in a biology textbook.
- large lipoproteins rich in triglycerides; VLDLs circulate through the blood giving up their triglycerides to fat and muscle tissue until the VLDL remnants are modified and converted into LDL