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HDL as a target in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Patrick Linsel-Nitschke1, Alan R Tall

  • 1Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA. pl2031@columbia.edu

Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|March 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Lipid abnormalities increase cardiovascular disease risk. New strategies targeting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol offer potential beyond statins for cardiovascular event reduction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Lipidology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lipid abnormalities are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Statins effectively lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reducing cardiovascular events, but benefits may be limited.
  • Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is an emerging CVD risk factor, prompting research into alternative therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the protective mechanisms of HDL cholesterol.
  • To review novel strategies for increasing HDL cholesterol levels to manage cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on HDL cholesterol function and therapeutic targets.
  • Discussion of emerging treatment strategies for increasing HDL cholesterol.

Main Results:

  • HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in cardiovascular protection.
  • Several novel therapeutic strategies are being developed to raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting HDL cholesterol represents a promising approach to further reduce cardiovascular risk beyond LDL-lowering therapies.
  • Emerging strategies include nuclear receptor modulation, cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition, and apolipoprotein/phospholipid complex infusions.

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