Regulation of VLDL synthesis and secretion in the liver

Abstract

The production of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) by the liver results from very complex processes that involve coordinated mechanisms of both protein and lipid synthesis and packaging. Alterations in these metabolic functions can cause negative effects on the health of human subjects or animals. The objectives of this paper were to review the latest developments in the biological mechanisms of these processes and the role of nutritional and hormonal factors. The present study addresses the following issues: i) the main steps in the hepatic metabolism of lipids (long-chain fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phospholipids) and proteins (apolipoprotein B, microsomal transfer protein) primarily involved in the synthesis and secretion of VLDL particles; ii) the metabolic deviations of hepatic VLDL (hypo- and overproduction) in man, rodents and farm animals (poultry, dairy cows).