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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
The emerging role of lipoproteins in atherogenesis: beyond LDL cholesterol
Stephen Nicholls1, Pia Lundman
1Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia.
Insights
Despite effective low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering, cardiovascular events persist. Additional dyslipidemic states, like the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype, significantly impact arterial health and are key targets for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Lipid Metabolism
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a known factor in atherogenesis and coronary heart disease.
- Despite effective LDL-C reduction, many patients still experience cardiovascular events, indicating other contributing factors.
- Emerging evidence highlights additional dyslipidemic states that promote atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of dyslipidemic states beyond LDL-C in atherogenesis.
- To identify key components of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype.
- To establish these factors as targets for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of dyslipidemic states contributing to cardiovascular events.
- Characterization of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype.
- Evaluation of the impact of specific lipid parameters on arterial health.
Main Results:
- The atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype includes elevated triglycerides and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.
- This phenotype is characterized by decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.
- Increased small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and impaired postprandial lipemia are also key features impacting the arterial wall.
Conclusions:
- The atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype plays a profound role in promoting atherosclerosis.
- These dyslipidemic factors are crucial targets for developing effective prevention strategies.
- Addressing these factors is essential for reducing cardiovascular events in at-risk patients.
Abstract:
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol has a well-established role in atherogenesis and the development of coronary heart disease. However, despite effective lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, many patients continue to have cardiovascular events. It has subsequently emerged that several additional dyslipidemic states promote atherogenesis. In particular, the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype comprising an elevation of triglycerides and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins; decreased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; and increased small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in addition to impaired postprandial lipemia, have been demonstrated to have profound effects on the arterial wall. As such, these factors have become important targets in the development of effective strategies to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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