very low-density lipoprotein

very low-density lipoprotein

n. Abbr. VLDL

A lipoprotein containing a very large proportion of lipids to protein and carrying most cholesterol from the liver to the tissues.

very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)

a plasma lipoprotein that is composed chiefly of triglycerides, with small amounts of cholesterol, phospholipid, fat-soluble vitamins, and protein. It transports triglycerides primarily from the liver to peripheral sites in the tissues for use or storage. The triglycerides are quickly converted to smaller, more soluble intermediate lipoproteins and eventually to low-density lipoproteins. Elevations in VLDL are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis. See also high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein.

very low-density lipoprotein

See VLDL.

very low-density lipoprotein

Abbreviation: VLDL

Either of the plasma lipids, chylomicrons and prelipoproteins, that are bound to albumin. This class of plasma lipoproteins contains a greater ratio of lipid than the low-density lipoproteins and is the least dense.

See also: lipoprotein