Assessing the functional properties of high-density lipoproteins: an emerging concept in cardiovascular research

Michela Triolo, Wijtske Annema, Robin P. F. Dullaart, Uwe J. F. Tietge*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    64 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Although plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol correlate inversely with the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, results from recent epidemiological, genetic and pharmacological intervention studies resulted in a shift of concept. Rather than HDL cholesterol mass levels, the functionality of HDL particles is increasingly regarded as potentially clinically important. This review provides an overview of four key functional properties of HDL, namely cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport; antioxidative activities; anti-inflammatory activities; and the ability of HDL to increase vascular nitric oxide production resulting in vasorelaxation. Currently available assays are put into context with different HDL isolation procedures yielding compositional heterogeneity of the particle. Gathered knowledge on the impact of different disease states on HDL function is discussed together with potential underlying causative factors modulating HDL functionalities. In addition, a perspective is provided regarding how a better understanding of the determinants of (dys)functional HDL might impact clinical practice and the future design of rational and specific therapeutic approaches targeting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)457-472
    Number of pages16
    JournalBiomarkers in medicine
    Volume7
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jun-2013

    Keywords

    • atherosclerosis
    • cardiovascular disease
    • cholesterol
    • dysfunction
    • efflux
    • function
    • HDL
    • inflammation
    • nitric oxide
    • oxidation
    • REVERSE CHOLESTEROL TRANSPORT
    • APOLIPOPROTEIN-A-I
    • ESTER TRANSFER PROTEIN
    • B TYPE-I
    • TYPE-2 DIABETES-MELLITUS
    • SCAVENGER RECEPTOR-BI
    • SYSTEMIC-LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS
    • CORONARY-ARTERY-DISEASE
    • ISCHEMIC-HEART-DISEASE
    • NITRIC-OXIDE SYNTHASE

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