title: HDL cholesterol and protective factors in atherosclerosis.
abstract: A low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological and clinical studies provide evidence that HDL-C levels are linked to rates of coronary events. The cardioprotective effects of HDL-C have been attributed to its role in reverse cholesterol transport, its effects on endothelial cells, and its antioxidant activity. Although some clinical trials suggest a benefit of raising HDL-C to reduce risk, further studies are needed, and HDL-C is still not considered a primary target of therapy in the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. However, HDL-C should be considered as part of the patient's overall profile of established risk factors in determining treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Central Laboratory, Westphalian Wilhelms-University, Munster, Germany. assmann@uni-muenster.de
authors.forename: Gerd
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Assmann
authors.forename: Antonio M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gotto
mesh_terms: D064286:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001692:Biological Transport; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D064286:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D002784:Cholesterol