When we eat food, dietary fats are broken down and

absorbed in the small intestine. Inside intestinal cells, they are packed into

chylomicrons (a type of lipoprotein). Chylomicrons reach the bloodstream where

they are broken down. The chylomicron remnants are taken up by the liver via

receptor-mediated endocytosis and processed. The liver then synthesizes and

releases very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), which are converted into LDL in

the bloodstream.

Excess LDL is taken up by the liver and other cells via

LDL receptors for breakdown or storage. If excess LDL is not cleared

efficiently, it accumulates in blood vessels, leading to the formation of

atherosclerotic plaques and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.