VLDLkolesterolista

VLDLkolesterolista, commonly referred to as VLDL-C, denotes the cholesterol content carried by very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). VLDL particles are produced by the liver and are part of the body's endogenous lipid transport system, supplying fatty acids to tissues while transporting cholesterol as well.

VLDL particles are rich in triglycerides and contain apolipoproteins such as ApoB100, ApoC, and ApoE. In circulation, lipoprotein lipase hydrolyzes triglycerides within VLDL, transforming them into intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and eventually low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The cholesterol carried by VLDL contributes to non-HDL cholesterol, a metric often used to assess atherogenic risk.

Measurement and interpretation of VLDL-C can vary. In routine lipid panels, VLDL-C is frequently estimated rather than directly measured, using the approximation VLDL-C ≈ triglycerides/5 when triglycerides are in mg/dL (or TG/2.25 in mmol/L). Direct assays for VLDL-C exist but are not routinely performed in all laboratories. Because VLDL-C largely reflects triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, its levels rise with hypertriglyceridemia and are influenced by metabolic factors such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Clinical significance and management focus on reducing overall atherogenic risk. Elevated VLDL-C is associated with increased non-HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. Management typically emphasizes lifestyle changes to lower triglycerides, along with pharmacologic strategies that reduce triglycerides and improve the overall lipoprotein profile, such as statins, fibrates, or omega-3 fatty acids, guided by individual risk and guidelines.