High-Density Lipoproteins in Kidney Disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Nephrology
• Lipid Metabolism

Background:

• Epidemiological studies show an inverse link between HDL-cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
• Emerging evidence highlights HDL functions (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cholesterol efflux) as crucial for disease protection.
• These HDL functions are also relevant in acute and chronic kidney disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the kidney's role in HDL metabolism and homeostasis.
• To examine how kidney disease impacts HDL composition and function.
• To explore HDL's role in kidney cell function and kidney disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on HDL metabolism and kidney disease.
• Examination of HDL particle, protein, and small RNA cargo effects on kidney cells.
• Analysis of HDL protein modification by reactive dicarbonyls in kidney disease.

Main Results:

• Kidney disease alters HDL composition and impairs its protective functions.
• Modified apolipoprotein A-I in HDL negatively affects HDL function.
• HDL particles, proteins, and RNA cargo influence kidney cell function and disease progression.

Conclusions:

• HDL functionality, beyond cholesterol concentration, is critical for cardiovascular and kidney health.
• Reactive dicarbonyls impair HDL function in kidney disease.
• Targeted therapies enhancing HDL concentration or function may offer new avenues for treating kidney disease.