Which statement describes very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)?

Which statement describes very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)?

• A. Lipoproteins that transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver
• B. Lipoproteins that remove cholesterol from tissues
• C. Lipoproteins that transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver
• D. Lipoproteins that carry triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues

Answer: (D)

Very-low-density lipoproteins are produced by the liver to export endogenous triglycerides to peripheral tissues. They are rich in triglycerides, and as they circulate, lipoprotein lipase hydrolyzes these triglycerides so tissues can take up the fatty acids for energy or storage. As the triglycerides are removed, the particle becomes smaller and denser, evolving into remnants like IDL and then LDL, which are more cholesterol-rich. This describes carrying triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues, making it the correct choice. In contrast, the statements describing cholesterol transport from tissues to the liver pertain to reverse cholesterol transport by HDL, not VLDL.

Very-low-density lipoproteins are produced by the liver to export endogenous triglycerides to peripheral tissues. They are rich in triglycerides, and as they circulate, lipoprotein lipase hydrolyzes these triglycerides so tissues can take up the fatty acids for energy or storage. As the triglycerides are removed, the particle becomes smaller and denser, evolving into remnants like IDL and then LDL, which are more cholesterol-rich. This describes carrying triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues, making it the correct choice. In contrast, the statements describing cholesterol transport from tissues to the liver pertain to reverse cholesterol transport by HDL, not VLDL.