Abstract
The specific interest concerning HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is related to its ability to uptake and return surplus cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver and, therefore, to its role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, but also transient ischemic attack and stroke. Previous epidemiological studies have indicated that HDL-C concentration is inversely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and that it can be used for risk prediction. Some genetic disorders are characterized by markedly elevated levels of HDL-C; however, they do not translate into diminished cardiovascular risk. The search of the potential causative relationship between HDL-C and adverse events has shifted the attention of researchers towards the composition and function of the HDL molecule/subfractions. HDL possesses various cardioprotective properties. However, currently, it appears that higher HDL-C is not necessarily protective against cardiovascular disease, but it can even be harmful in extremely high quantities.
Highlights
The particular interest concerning high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDLC) is associated with its ability to uptake and return surplus cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver and, to its role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack and stroke [1]
This review focuses on conditions related to high HDL cholesterol (HDL-C); it is worth mentioning that disturbances associated with decreased HDL-C levels do not univocally lead to boosted
HDL-C particles are rich in CE and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and have a low content of TG
Summary
The particular interest concerning high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDLC) is associated with its ability to uptake and return surplus cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver and, to its role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack and stroke [1]. Previous evidence from epidemiological studies has indicated that levels of HDL-C are inversely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and that they can be used for risk prediction [2]. The first such findings were demonstrated in the Framingham Heart Study [3]. Interventions aiming at raising HDL-C levels have been shown not to confer better protection against cardiovascular diseases. It has been found that primary familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia, cholesterol ester transfer protein deficiency and endothelial lipase deficiency may be associated with extremely high levels of HDL, and with, paradoxically, enhanced cardiovascular risk [2]
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