If hepatic VLDL secretion doubles for a prolonged period, which immediate cascade of changes in lipoprotein levels and atherosclerotic risk is most likely, based on lipoprotein metabolism principles?

• A. Increased circulating VLDL leads to more conversion to LDL (raising LDL concentrations), thereby increasing cholesterol deposition in arteries and atherosclerotic risk.
• B. Doubling VLDL triggers immediate elimination of LDL by the kidneys, therefore reducing LDL and lowering atherosclerotic risk.
• C. VLDL increases only transport fat to adipose tissue and have no metabolic relationship to LDL formation or arterial plaque development.
• D. Higher VLDL secretion causes HDL particles to be created in larger amounts that completely offset any LDL rise, resulting in no net change in risk.

Answer: (A)