HDL-Targeting Therapeutics: Past, Present and Future.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Lipid Metabolism
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• HDL particles play a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport and possess multiple cardioprotective functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on novel therapies targeting HDL metabolism.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of HDL-raising strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological studies and clinical trials on HDL-C.
• Analysis of various pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to increase HDL-C levels.
• Examination of emerging strategies targeting HDL metabolism.

Main Results:

• Established association between low HDL-C and elevated CVD risk.
• Development of multiple strategies to increase HDL-C, including niacin, fibrates, CETP inhibitors, and apolipoprotein A-I mimetics.
• Emerging therapies focus on upregulating apolipoprotein A-I production and other HDL metabolism pathways.

Conclusions:

• HDL-targeting therapies represent a promising avenue for CVD risk reduction.
• Further research is needed to optimize HDL-raising strategies and evaluate their long-term efficacy and safety.