Very low-density lipoprotein remnant particle (VLDL remnant)

Very low-density lipoprotein remnant particles are metabolic products of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) after their triglyceride (TG) content has been hydrolyzed by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in circulation. VLDL particles, secreted by the liver, are rich in triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol esters, and apolipoproteins (notably apoB-100, apoC-I, apoC-II, apoC-III, and apoE)[3][4]. As VLDL particles lose triglyceride via LPL, they become smaller, denser, and are termed VLDL remnants or intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), which are enriched in cholesterol[4][5]. These remnants are cleared from the circulation primarily by hepatic receptors recognizing apoE and apoB-100[3][4]. VLDL remnants are particularly atherogenic because their small size and high cholesterol content allow them to infiltrate the arterial wall and promote the development of atherosclerotic plaques, contributing to cardiovascular disease risk[5]. **Note:** The term “Very low-density lipoprotein remnant particle” refers to a class of lipoprotein particle, not a single discrete molecular target such as a receptor, transporter, or enzyme. While it is highly relevant to disease biology and as a biomarker, it is not typically considered a direct drug target. Drugs that lower VLDL remnant particles target upstream pathways (e.g., hepatic synthesis, LPL activity) rather than the remnant particle itself[3][5]. Key points: - VLDL remnant particles play a central role in lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease[5]. - They are not single protein or receptor targets, and there is no canonical gene/protein identifier. - They serve as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk but are not direct targets for existing approved drugs. - VLDL remnant elevation implies increased risk for atherosclerosis, often seen in dyslipidemia and diabetes[5].

Other names

Very-low-density lipoprotein remnantVLDL remnantVLDL remnant lipoproteinVLDL remnant particle