High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the role of statins.
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are currently considered to be a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Deficiencies in the HDL metabolic pathway promote atherosclerosis and contribute to CAD. Low HDL-C levels are included in the Framingham 10-year risk assessment for CAD although they are not yet targeted for therapy. Recent clinical trials have shown benefits from raising HDL-C, particularly in patients with lower baseline levels. The statin class of drugs, used primarily to lower the level of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, may be able to raise the HDL-C level as well. Statins could potentially affect HDL-C by different modes of action, most importantly by altering reverse cholesterol transport. Among the currently available statins, simvastatin has demonstrated the most consistent ability to raise HDL-C level, but further large-scale studies at an early stage will be needed to prove the antiatherogenic effects of this class of drugs.
Chong
Pang H
PH
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, USA. cpang@tigger.cc.uic.edu
Kezele
Robert
R
Franklin
Cory
C
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002784:Cholesterol