Modifying the anti-inflammatory effects of high-density lipoprotein

The anti-inflammatory effects of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are well documented and include inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, reduction of inflammatory cytokines and vascular leukocyte adhesion molecules, and participation in innate immunity. However, certain conditions, including coronary disease, diabetes mellitus, systemic inflammation, and a diet high in saturated fat, are associated with modification of HDL such that it paradoxically enhances LDL oxidation and/or vascular inflammation. Treatment with statins and/or apolipoprotein A1 mimetic peptides improves HDL's anti-inflammatory functions, and these as well as other medications may represent a novel pathway through which to target atherosclerosis.