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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2013 Dec 18.
Published in final edited form as: Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012 May;1821(5):10.1016/j.bbalip.2012.02.005. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2012.02.005

Figure 1. Triglyceride transport in the blood.

Figure 1

Triglycerides are synthesized in either the intestine or liver. Chylomicrons are secreted into the lymph and then enter the circulation via the superior vena cava. VLDL are directly secreted into the blood. Both particles are metabolized via their interaction with lipoprotein lipase on the luminal surface; a reaction that coverts the triglyceride into free fatty acids that are taken-up by peripheral tissues. Oversupply leads to triglyceride accumulation in heart, skeletal muscle, and liver. In addition, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins can be either a source of atherosclerotic lipids or triglyceride lipolysis might lead to production of lipids that are toxic to the vessels.