High density lipoproteins and extracellular vesicles-distinct but overlapping circulating particles and their role in...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Nanomedicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health issue, with atherosclerosis as its primary cause.
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key circulating particles involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and thrombosis relevant to atherosclerosis.
• HDLs and EVs exhibit overlapping physicochemical properties, making their separation difficult and potentially confounding research findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the structural, biophysical, and functional characteristics of HDLs and EVs in the context of atherosclerosis.
• To review the biogenesis pathways and molecular cargo of HDLs and EVs.
• To discuss the implications of HDL-EV overlap for research and potential biological interactions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and comparative analysis of existing studies on HDLs and EVs.
• Examination of structural and biophysical properties, including size, density, and molecular composition.
• Evaluation of functional roles in endothelial activation, inflammation, lipid handling, and thrombosis.

Main Results:

• HDLs and EVs share overlapping density and size ranges, posing technical challenges for isolation.
• Both particle types contribute to key processes in atherosclerosis, including inflammation and cholesterol transport.
• Distinct biological roles and origins exist despite shared features, necessitating careful interpretation of co-isolated fractions.

Conclusions:

• The overlap between HDLs and EVs presents methodological hurdles in atherosclerosis research.
• Understanding the distinct and potentially interactive roles of HDLs and EVs is crucial for advancing CVD therapies.
• Further investigation is needed to determine if HDL-EV overlap reflects co-isolation or biologically relevant interactions in circulating nanoparticle networks.