Abstract
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) represent a class of lipoproteins very heterogeneous in structure, composition, and biological functions, which carry out reverse cholesterol transport, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and vasodilator actions. Despite the evidence suggesting a clear inverse relationship between HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) concentration and the risk for cardiovascular disease, plasma HDL cholesterol levels do not predict the functionality and composition of HDLs. The importance of defining both the amount of cholesterol transported and lipoprotein functionality has recently been highlighted. Indeed, different clinical conditions such as obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) can alter the HDL functionality, converting normal HDLs into dysfunctional ones, undergoing structural changes, and exhibiting proinflammatory, pro-oxidant, prothrombotic, and proapoptotic properties. The aim of the current review is to summarize the actual knowledge concerning the physical–chemical alteration of HDLs related to their functions, which have been found to be relevant in several pathological conditions associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Highlights
High-density lipoproteins are one of the five major lipoproteins: chylomicrons, very low, intermediate, low, and high-density lipoproteins (VLDLs, IDLs, LDLs, and HDLs) classified by density [1]
More recent evidence has shown that oxidative stress and inflammation may lead to structural and functional HDL modifications, resulting in its conversion into a proatherogenic equivalent, despite plasma levels of HDL cholesterol [2,3]
This narrative review resumes the current knowledge concerning the relationships between physical–chemical properties of HDLs and those alterations found in the main pathological conditions characterized by systemic inflammation and oxidative stress such as obesity, T2DM, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Summary
High-density lipoproteins are one of the five major lipoproteins: chylomicrons, very low, intermediate, low, and high-density lipoproteins (VLDLs, IDLs, LDLs, and HDLs) classified by density [1]. HDL’s functional properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antithrombotic effects, contribute to its antiatherogenic role [2]. More recent evidence has shown that oxidative stress and inflammation may lead to structural and functional HDL modifications, resulting in its conversion into a proatherogenic equivalent, despite plasma levels of HDL cholesterol [2,3]. This narrative review resumes the current knowledge concerning the relationships between physical–chemical properties of HDLs and those alterations found in the main pathological conditions characterized by systemic inflammation and oxidative stress such as obesity, T2DM, and CVD. The large, less dense (1.063–1.125 g/mL), lipid-enriched
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
