Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
07:54
Cholesterol Efflux Assay
Published on: March 6, 2012
30.1K
Cholesterol Efflux Capacity and Its Association With Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review and
Jane J Lee1, Gerald Chi2, Clara Fitzgerald2
1Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Boston, MA, United States.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|December 30, 2021
Summary
Higher cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), a measure of HDL function, is linked to a significantly lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events. This suggests CEC may be a crucial biomarker for cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Emerging evidence highlights the functional properties of HDL, particularly reverse cholesterol transport, as a key protective mechanism.
- Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) quantifies HDL's ability to remove cholesterol from macrophages, a critical step in preventing atherosclerotic plaque buildup.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between CEC and cardiovascular outcomes.
- Literature searches were performed across Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection up to September 2019.
- The primary outcome included atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events and mortality.
Key Points:
- Twenty trials were included in the analysis.
- Higher CEC levels were associated with a 37% reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events compared to low CEC.
- Each standard deviation increase in CEC correlated with a 20% lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events, remaining significant after adjusting for risk factors and HDL-C levels.
- A 0.1 unit increase in CEC was associated with a 5% reduction in adverse cardiovascular event risk.
Conclusions:
- Elevated CEC is significantly associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes.
- Further research is needed to determine if CEC is solely a biomarker or a potential therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention to enhance clinical outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
01:18Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...