The metabolism and anti-atherogenic properties of HDL.
Population studies have shown that plasma HDL levels correlate inversely with cardiovascular disease risk. In recent years there has been intense interest in developing strategies for exploiting these cardioprotective properties by increasing HDL levels. While this approach has considerable merit, it is important to recognize that HDL are structurally and functionally diverse and consist of numerous, highly dynamic subpopulations of particles that do not all inhibit atherosclerosis to the same extent. For this reason it is essential to assess HDL subpopulation distribution and functionality when considering therapeutic interventions that raise HDL levels. This review documents what is known about the relationship between the metabolism and function of HDL subpopulations and how this affects their cardioprotective properties.
Rye
Kerry-Anne
KA
Lipid Research Group, The Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia. ryek@hri.org.au
Bursill
Christina A
CA
Lambert
Gilles
G
Tabet
Fatiha
F
Barter
Philip J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000378:metabolism*; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism
D000975:Antioxidants; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL