Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

The antiatherogenic function of HDL is impaired in hyperhomocysteinemic subjects

Kirsten B Holven1, Pål Aukrust, Kjetil Retterstøl

  • 1Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway. kirsten.holven@medisin.uio.no

The Journal of Nutrition
|October 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels impair high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function, reducing its ability to remove cholesterol and fight inflammation. This dysfunction in HDL may explain increased cardiovascular disease risk in hyperhomocysteinemic individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • High plasma homocysteine is linked to cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration is inversely correlated with cardiovascular disorders.
  • Dysfunctional HDL may contribute to cardiovascular events in hyperhomocysteinemic individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functionality of HDL in hyperhomocysteinemic subjects.
  • To determine if serum from hyperhomocysteinemic individuals impairs cholesterol efflux and inflammatory mediator release.
  • To assess the antiatherogenic activity of HDL in relation to homocysteine levels.

Main Methods:

  • Serum analysis from hyperhomocysteinemic (n=10) and control (n=10) subjects.
  • Assessed serum's ability to induce cholesterol efflux from macrophages.
  • Evaluated serum's effect on inflammatory mediator release from endothelial cells.
  • Measured paraoxonase activity in serum.

Main Results:

  • Serum from hyperhomocysteinemic subjects showed impaired cholesterol efflux.
  • HDL from these subjects had reduced anti-inflammatory effects on endothelial cells.
  • Paraoxonase activity was significantly reduced in hyperhomocysteinemic individuals.
  • Attenuated suppression of interleukin-6 and growth-related oncogene-alpha release was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemic individuals exhibit dysfunctional HDL particles.
  • Dysfunctional HDL has attenuated antiatherogenic activity.
  • This HDL dysfunction offers a potential explanation for increased cardiovascular risk in hyperhomocysteinemia.

More Related Videos

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging09:37

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging

Published on: July 14, 2016

Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice06:59

Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice

Published on: June 12, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...