Advances in HDL: Much More than Lipid Transporters

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Lipid Metabolism
• Biochemistry

Background:

• High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) particles are crucial for reverse cholesterol transport and cardiovascular health.
• HDL particles transport diverse molecules, including proteins, micro-RNAs, vitamins, and hormones, mediating various cellular functions.
• Cardiovascular risk factors and co-morbidities can negatively impact HDL composition and its protective functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of molecules transported by HDL and their cardiovascular functions.
• To describe the remodeling of HDL under cardiovascular risk factors and co-morbidities.
• To review current HDL-based therapeutic and drug-delivery approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of HDL composition and function.
• Analysis of the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on HDL.
• Survey of engineered HDL-mimetics and HDL-based therapies.

Main Results:

• HDL carries a multitude of molecules that promote cardiovascular health.
• HDL's cargo and protective capacity are significantly altered by cardiovascular risk factors.
• HDL functionality and composition are emerging as more relevant metrics than HDL-cholesterol levels for assessing cardiovascular protection.

Conclusions:

• HDL's role in cardiovascular health is complex and influenced by its cargo and remodeling.
• Assessing HDL functionality and composition is critical for understanding its protective effects.
• HDL-based strategies, including engineered mimetics, hold therapeutic promise for cardiovascular diseases.