[Treatment of low HDL-cholesterol levels in the reduction of cardiovascular risk].
BACKGROUND
Although reduction of LDL-C levels is a priority in the treatment of dyslipidemia, not all coronary events are prevented despite aggressive LDL-C lowering, and risk reduction can be improved by treating additional lipid abnormalities. The Framingham Study was the first to demonstrate the inverse relationship between HDL-C and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This relationship was present at all levels of LDL-C, whereas the highest risk was associated with low HDL-C and high LDL-C. THE ANTIATHEROGENIC ACTIONS OF HDL-CHOLESTEROL: The antiatherogenic actions of HDL-C are complex. HDL-C plays a major role in reverse cholesterol transport, mobilizing cholesterol from the periphery to the liver. In addition, cardioprotective effects of HDL-C include endothelial protection, anti-inflammatory activity, as well as antioxidant and antithrombotic effects.
In addition to lowering LDL-C, statins increase HDL-C by 5 to 15% by increasing apolipoprotein A-I synthesis. Fibrate therapy results in an increase in HDL-C of 10 to 25 % by activating PPAR- , which stimulates hepatic apolipoprotein A-I gene expression. Niacin is the most effective agent used for increasing HDL-C, causing increase of 15 to 35%. The side effects of niacin therapy, which is largely mediated by prostaglandins, may be minimized by the use of prolonged-release formulation of nicotinic acid. Combination therapy with HDL-raising agents, such as nicotinic acid and statin, markedly increases HDL-C, lowers LDL-C and improves the lipoproteins subclass distribution.


CONCLUSIONS
New therapeutic modalities in the treatment of low HDL-C and lowering LDL-C, either in combination or as a monotherapy, may provide additional benefits in reducing CHD risk.
Stokić
Edita
E
Institut za interne bolesti, Klinika za endokrinologiju, dijabetes i bolesti metabolizma, Novi Sad. edith@sezampro.yu
Marinkov
Jela
J
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009525:Niacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D009525:Niacin