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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
07:29
Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Atheroprotective effects of HDL: beyond reverse cholesterol transport
Jonathan E Feig1, Raanan Shamir, Edward A Fisher
1Department of Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, Smilow 8, 522 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Current Drug Targets
|March 14, 2008
Summary
High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are inversely linked to atherosclerosis risk. This review explores how HDL, through reverse cholesterol transport and other mechanisms, may prevent and even reverse artery plaque buildup.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Lipid Metabolism
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Atherosclerosis risk correlates inversely with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
- This association persists independently of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
- Pharmacological HDL-raising agents show cardiovascular benefits and improve arterial health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms underlying HDL's anti-atherogenic effects.
- To explore HDL's role in retarding and potentially reversing atherosclerotic lesion progression.
- To synthesize data primarily from murine models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature, focusing on murine models.
- Analysis of HDL's functions in reverse cholesterol transport.
- Examination of HDL's impact on endothelial cells, inflammation, and oxidation.
Main Results:
- HDL facilitates reverse cholesterol transport, moving cholesterol from arteries to the liver.
- HDL exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- HDL influences endothelial cell function, contributing to vascular health.
Conclusions:
- HDL cholesterol plays a crucial protective role against atherosclerosis.
- HDL mechanisms include reverse cholesterol transport, endothelial protection, and anti-inflammatory actions.
- HDL may be a therapeutic target for both preventing and regressing atherosclerotic lesions.
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