High-density lipoprotein metabolism and progression of atherosclerosis: new insights from the HDL Atherosclerosis Treatment Study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to summarize the current understanding of the potentially antiatherogenic properties of high-density lipoprotein related to its different components.


RESULTS
Recent findings on the role of the different high-density lipoprotein subspecies in reverse cholesterol transport, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and low-density lipoprotein oxidation are covered. Special emphasis is put on the heterogeneity of high-density lipoprotein and functional changes related to specific high-density lipoprotein particles with the potential therapeutic alterations of high-density lipoprotein metabolism.


CONCLUSIONS
The diverse action of high-density lipoprotein observed could be explained by the heterogeneity of high-density lipoprotein particles with completely different composition and properties. The modification of specific high-density lipoprotein subpopulations to reach the maximum atheroprotective effects under various pathologic conditions bears great potential in lipid research.
Asztalos
Bela F
BF
Lipid Metabolism Laboratory, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. bela.asztalos@tufts.edu
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D000975:Antioxidants; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D002784:Cholesterol