Lipoproteins as modulators of atherothrombosis: From endothelial function to primary and secondary coagulation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Lipid Metabolism
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Atherothrombosis, a complication of atherosclerosis, underlies major cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction and stroke.
• Circulating lipid levels are strongly linked to atherosclerotic plaque progression and directly influence thrombosis risk and outcomes.
• Plasma lipoproteins play a critical role in endothelial function, platelet aggregation, and coagulation pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on how lipoproteins modulate atherothrombosis.
• To summarize findings from in vitro, animal, observational, and interventional human studies.
• To discuss future perspectives for lipid modulation in preventing atherothrombosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vitro and in vivo animal studies.
• Analysis of observational and interventional studies in humans.
• Synthesis of current research on lipoprotein influence on atherothrombosis.

Main Results:

• Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) promote thrombus formation.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) exhibits antithrombotic effects.
• Lipoproteins influence endothelial function, primary (platelet aggregation), and secondary coagulation.

Conclusions:

• Lipoproteins are key modulators of atherothrombosis, with distinct pro- and antithrombotic actions.
• Evidence from diverse study types supports the role of lipids in cardiovascular event risk.
• Targeting lipid modulation offers future therapeutic strategies for atherothrombosis prevention.