A new therapy specifically reduces hepatic VLDL secretion by 25% over the long term. Which outcome would most plausibly follow and provide the best rationale based on lipoprotein metabolism?

• A. Triglycerides in adipose tissue will immediately rise to infinity because VLDL export is the only pathway for triglyceride mobilization.
• B. HDL concentrations will necessarily double because HDL is produced exclusively from VLDL particles.
• C. There will be no possible effect on LDL or atherosclerotic risk because VLDL and LDL are produced in separate, unrelated pathways.
• D. LDL concentrations will likely decrease over time because less VLDL substrate is available for conversion, thereby reducing atherosclerotic risk.

Answer: (D)