HDL-C transport and atheroprotection

Jane V. Mulcahy, Jim S. Owen
From: Science & Medicine: Volume 8 Number 2: Page 76 (April 2002)

Abstract: For years, LDL has dominated research into cholesterol metabolism. The lower interest in HDL was due to a lack of knowledge about HDL receptors, but also to the fact that clues about HDL's functions did not fit the prevailing paradigm of lipoprotein receptor activity. The recent discovery of two key proteins in HDL metabolism, SR-BI and ABCA1, has rekindled interest in HDL. Today, thinking about cholesterol has switched from controlling raised LDL levels alone to also correcting low HDL levels. New therapies acting on HDL transport may offer atheroprotection by raising HDL levels, but may also promote regression of existing atherosclerotic lesions by accelerating cholesterol efflux from lipid-laden cells.

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