[Molecular mechanism of hyperlipidemia and future aspects on the therapy]

Elucidating the mechanism of the onset of atherosclerosis is indispensable to understanding the significance of treatment of hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerotic lesions can be characterized as accumulations of cholesterol esters and pathologic reactions by various cell groups. Plasma lipid abnormalities such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol are known as important risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases. The purpose of treating plasma lipid abnormalities is to prevent or treat atherosclerosis. Future studies are required for the development of a powerful therapy for hyperlipidemia by understanding the molecular basis of polygenic hyperlipidemia which is most commonly observed in advanced countries.