title: Asialoglycoprotein receptors as important mediators of plasma lipids and atherosclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review seeks to describe the role of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) in modulating non-HDL lipoprotein levels, platelet numbers and atherosclerosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Genetics studies have revealed that ASGR haplodeficiency provides protection from atherosclerosis. The potential interactions of ASGR with LDL receptor may regulate the rate of LDL uptake and as a result may lower plasma non-HDL cholesterol. ASGR clears senescent platelets and induces the expression of hepatic thrombopoietin. Platelet activity promotes plaque formation and atherosclerosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ASGR is a multifunctional receptor specializing in clearance of desialylated glycoproteins and platelets. The impact of ASGR on the levels of plasma non-HDL cholesterol makes it a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Biology and Pathology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Suleiman A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Igdoura
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D037263:Asialoglycoprotein Receptor / Q000378:metabolism*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D037263:Asialoglycoprotein Receptor; D008055:Lipids; D009439:Neuraminidase