Triglyceride VLDL molecules

During the hydrolysis of VLDL triglycerides, the C apohpoproteins are transferred back to HDL. VLDL particles are thus converted to VLDL remnants, some of which are taken up by the liver and the rest converted to smaller, denser particles called IDL. Large IDL particles, which also have several molecules of apo E, bind the hepatic remnant receptors and are removed from circulation. In humans, about 50% of IDL is removed by hepatocytes. 

A better indication of a person s risk of heart disease comes from a measurement of blood lipoprotein levels. Lipoproteins are complex molecules with both lipid and protein parts that transport lipids through the body. They can be divided into three types according to density, as shown in Table 23.3. Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) act primarily as carriers of triglycerides from the intestines... 

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