High-density lipoprotein metabolism and endothelial function.
OBJECTIVE
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) protects against atherosclerosis, transporting cholesterol from peripheral cells to the liver, where it is excreted into the bile. However, HDL also has prominent vascular protective effects.


RESULTS
Recent studies have uncovered mechanisms through which HDL decreases vascular inflammation, boosts nitric oxide production, and inhibits thrombosis. The discovery that dysfunctional HDL can also have proinflammatory effects has uncovered a new aspect of HDL biology.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-density lipoprotein is the primary target for drug therapy of dyslipidemias. Drugs that increase HDL also affect additional metabolic pathways. Development of selective drugs targeting key aspects of HDL metabolism may enable us to alter the composition of HDL and inhibit atherogenesis.
Lowenstein
Charles J
CJ
Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. charles_lowenstein@urmc.rochester.edu
Cameron
Scott J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008954:Models, Biological; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control
D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species