VLDL

Lipoprotein general structure

 Lipoproteins are characterized according to their densities.

 The lipoprotein densities vary depending on their lipid

composition.

 The free hydroxyl group of cholesterol is exposed on the

surface of the lipoprotein to interact with water. These
proteins are referred to as apoproteins.
Composition of the Lipoproteins in
Plasma of Humans
Lipoprotein Composition
LIPOPROTEIN FUNCTIONS
VERY LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (VLDL)

 Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is formed in the

liver from triacylglycerol and cholesterol provided by
the tissue and with the assistance of apoprotein B-
100.

 It is mostly made in the body (90%) with a small

portion (10%) derived from the diet.
 LIPID MOBILIZATION
 The VLDL is exported and picks up apoprotein CII and E in the
blood. Note that since LDL is derived from VLDL, the VLDL
molecule contains the apoproteins needed for both VLDL and
LDL functions.

 The role of VLDL is to transport and deliver fatty acids to

peripheral tissues. Triacylglycerols contained in VLDL, as in
chylomicrons, are substrates for lipoprotein lipase in
capillaries.
 LIPID MOBILIZATION
 The mature VLDL reaches the peripheral tissues (adipose
tissue and skeletal and cardiac muscles) where it is acted
upon by the enzyme plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) which
needs apoCII for its activation.

 The action of this enzyme results in hydrolysis of

triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids.

 The fatty acids are taken up by the cells in these tissues and
are either used in the production of energy (skeletal and
cardiac muscles) or used in the synthesis of tissue or milk
fat (adipose tissues and lactating mammary glands.
 LIPID MOBILIZATION
 After
losing the main bulk of its triglycerides,
the VLDL returns the apoC back to the HDL
and become VLDL remnants (IDL).

 ThenVLDL remnants give their apoE back to

the HDL and become LDL.
LIPID MOBILIZATION
Sekian …