Very low density lipoproteins are precursors of atherogenic LDL. The VLDL that are formed in the liver are detrimental to the body when they are stripped of their triacylglycerols by extra-hepatic tissues (Figure 4). The remnants, which are cholesterol rich, are low-density lipoproteins, LDL. LDL are the main source of cholesterol deposition in peripheral tissues. Protecting against the ill effects of high cholesterol levels therefore requires targeting VLDL formation, a precursor to LDL (Nelson and Cox, 2004).
Figure 4: Lipoprotein degradation in extra-hepatic tissues after being excreted by the liver. [Nelson and Cox , page 822, 2004]
Effects of high blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia):
http://www.healthline.com/health/cholesterol/effects-on-body
http://www.healthline.com/understanding-cholesterol/anatomy-animations#1/bodies-in-motion-cholesterol
