title: [Molecular biology of reverse cholesterol transport system and impairment of the protection system against atherosclerosis].
abstract: High density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role in the protection system against atherosclerosis, designated as "reverse cholesterol transport". Cholesterol from peripheral tissues is taken up by HDL and is esterified by lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). The cholesteryl ester is subsequently transported to apoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, such as VLDL, IDL or LDL by cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). These lipoproteins are catabolized by the liver via the LDL receptor pathway. This review focuses on the recent molecular biological data on the enzymes and proteins involved in this system, with special reference to their genetic abnormalities. The molecular basis of HDL, LCAT, CETP or HTGL deficiency has recently been clarified. HDL deficiency is often accompanied by premature atherosclerosis. Deficiency of these enzymes causes marked alterations in the concentration and composition of HDL and apo B-containing lipoproteins.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka University Medical School.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Matsuzawa
mesh_terms: D001053:Apolipoproteins / Q000172:deficiency; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism*; D053480:Cholesterol Ester Transfer Proteins; D006023:Glycoproteins; D006801:Humans; D007863:Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D001053:Apolipoproteins; C506642:CETP protein, human; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D053480:Cholesterol Ester Transfer Proteins; D006023:Glycoproteins; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D002784:Cholesterol