title: Effects of established hypolipidemic drugs on HDL concentration, subclass distribution, and function.
abstract: The knowledge of an inverse relationship between plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations and rates of cardiovascular disease has led to the concept that increasing plasma HDL-C levels would be protective against cardiovascular events. Therapeutic interventions presently available to correct the plasma lipid profile have not been designed to specifically act on HDL, but have modest to moderate effects on plasma HDL-C concentrations. Statins, the first-line lipid-lowering drug therapy in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, have quite modest effects on plasma HDL-C concentrations (2-10%). Fibrates, primarily used to reduce plasma triglyceride levels, also moderately increase HDL-C levels (5-15%). Niacin is the most potent available drug in increasing HDL-C levels (up to 30%), but its use is limited by side effects, especially flushing.The present chapter reviews the effects of established hypolipidemic drugs (statins, fibrates, and niacin) on plasma HDL-C levels and HDL subclass distribution, and on HDL functions, including cholesterol efflux capacity, endothelial protection, and antioxidant properties.
authors.affiliation: Center E. Grossi Paoletti, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy, monica.gomaraschi@unimi.it.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gomaraschi
authors.forename: Maria Pia
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Adorni
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Banach
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bernini
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Franceschini
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Calabresi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood* / Q000145:classification; D065840:Protective Factors; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL