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Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
[Clinical importance of HDL cholesterol]
W März1,2,3, M E Kleber1,4, H Scharnagl2
1Medizinische Klinik V (Nephrologie, Hypertensiologie, Rheumatologie, Endokrinologie, Diabetologie), Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are less critical for cardiovascular risk than previously thought. Lifestyle changes can improve HDL-C, but it is not a drug therapy target.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Millions of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) tests are performed annually in Germany.
- Recent data necessitate a reevaluation of HDL-C's clinical importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of HDL-C's role in cardiovascular risk.
- To assess the clinical utility of HDL-C measurements and ratios.
Main Methods:
- Selective literature search for review article.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and biological functions of HDL.
Main Results:
- Low HDL-C correlates with increased cardiovascular risk, though the relationship is complex.
- HDL-C concentration doesn't reflect HDL's protective functions; altered composition can be detrimental.
- HDL-C is secondary to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for risk stratification.
Conclusions:
- The LDL-C:HDL-C ratio is not universally applicable for risk assessment.
- Low HDL-C warrants investigation for underlying metabolic or inflammatory conditions.
- Lifestyle improvements (smoking cessation, exercise) positively impact HDL-C, but it's not a target for drug therapy.
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