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Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

[HDL: the yin-yang of cardiovascular disease]

Camila Canteiro Leança1, Marisa Passarelli, Edna R Nakandakare

  • 1Laboratório de Lípides, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brasil. camilacanteiro@gmail.com

Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia
|February 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is linked to lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, conflicting data challenges HDL

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science and Atherosclerosis Research

Context:

  • Epidemiological studies show a strong inverse correlation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence.
  • HDL's proposed antiatherogenic functions include reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antioxidant properties.

Purpose:

  • To review the current understanding of HDL's role in atherosclerosis in light of recent controversies.
  • To reconcile conflicting data regarding HDL's atheroprotective effects.

Summary:

  • HDL-C is traditionally considered atheroprotective, making it a target for CVD prevention.
  • The failure of torcetrapib, a drug that elevates HDL-C, in preventing CVD, alongside conflicting evidence from animal models and human genetic studies, raises questions about HDL's direct antiatherogenic role.
  • This review critically examines the existing knowledge and recent findings surrounding HDL function and its impact on CVD.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive overview of the current debate on HDL's role in cardiovascular health.
  • Highlights the need for re-evaluation of HDL-C as a therapeutic target for CVD prevention.
  • Informs future research directions in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease.

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