A Mechanistic Integrative Hypothesis Explaining LDL Elevation in Fasting and Ketogenic States

This version includes an additional mechanistic analysis proposing that elevated LDL observed under long-term intermittent fasting reflects reduced hepatic LDL receptor–mediated clearance due to limited triglyceride availability, rather than high VLDL flux as described by the Lipid Energy Model. The analysis integrates NMR lipoprotein data, HDL behavior, LDL particle size (Pattern A), and insulin sensitivity markers.