Multiple actions of high-density lipoprotein.
OBJECTIVE
The most accepted property of high-density lipoprotein is reverse cholesterol transport. However, other beneficial actions may contribute to the antiatherogenic role of high-density lipoprotein. This review addresses the action of high-density lipoprotein beyond reverse cholesterol transport.


RESULTS
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are inversely associated with coronary heart disease and other forms of vascular disease. Apart from transferring excess cholesterol to the liver, high-density lipoprotein exhibits favorable effects on oxidation, inflammation, thrombosis and endothelial function. Some of these actions are at least in part attributed to high-density lipoprotein-associated enzymes, such as paraoxonase and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase. However, high-density lipoprotein can become dysfunctional and proatherogenic under certain circumstances.


CONCLUSIONS
Current data suggest that high-density lipoprotein possesses various properties beyond reverse cholesterol transport. However, many issues on the exact role of high-density lipoprotein remain unknown. Future research is needed.
Florentin
Matilda
M
Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Liberopoulos
Evangelos N
EN
Wierzbicki
Anthony S
AS
Mikhailidis
Dimitri P
DP
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015394:Molecular Structure
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL