The invention provides a recombinant viral vector comprising the DNA of, or corresponding to, at least a portion of the genome of an adenovirus, which portion is capable of infecting a hepatic cell; and a human VLDL receptor gene operatively linked to regulatory sequences directing its expression. The vector is capable of expressing the normal VLDL receptor gene product in hepatic cells in vivo or in vitro. This viral vector is useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders caused by the accumulation of LDL in plasma, such as familial hypercholesterolemia or familial combined hyperlipidemia.