Abstract
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is one of the major carriers of cholesterol in the blood. It attracts particular attention because, in contrast with other lipoproteins, as many physiological functions of HDL influence the cardiovascular system in favourable ways unless HDL is modified pathologically. The functions of HDL that have recently attracted attention include anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. High anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of HDL are associated with protection from cardiovascular disease. Atheroprotective activities, as well as a functional deficiency of HDL, ultimately depend on the protein and lipid composition of HDL. Further, numerous epidemiological studies have shown a protective association between HDL-cholesterol and cognitive impairment. Oxidative stress, including lipid peroxidation, has been shown to be the mediator of the pathologic effects of numerous risk factors of Alzheimer's disease. Lifestyle interventions proven to increase HDL- cholesterol levels including “healthy” diet, regular exercise, weight control, and smoking cessation have also been shown to provide neuro-protective effects. This review will focus on current knowledge of the beneficial effects of HDL-cholesterol as it relates to cardiovascular diseases, breast and lung cancers, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as its neuroprotective potential in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Highlights
The risk of post-menopausal breast cancer among overweight and obese women in the highest serum High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol quartile was one-third the risk of women in the lowest serum HDLcholesterol quartile. These findings suggest an interaction between metabolic disturbances in postmenopausal breast carcinogenesis [50]
It is clearly established that low HDL-cholesterol levels are a major independent risk factor for CVD
The recent advances in understanding the mechanisms by which HDL acts to reduce cholesterol content in vessel walls have suggested a number of therapeutic strategies for reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) risk by augmenting this activity
Summary
Plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are small, dense, and spherical lipid-protein complexes and are normally considered to consist of those plasma lipoprotein particles which fall into the density range of 1.063–1.210 g/mL. HDL particles are composed of an outer layer containing free cholesterol, phospholipid, and various apolipoproteins (Apo), which covers a hydrophobic core consisting primarily of triglycerides and cholesterol esters [1]. Other apolipoprotein species found in HDL particles include Apo A-IV, Apo C (C-I, C-II, and C-III), and Apo E. Several subtypes of HDL particles have been identified on the basis of density, electrophoretic mobility, particle size, and apolipoprotein composition [3]. HDL particles have multiple biological effects that could contribute to their antiatherothrombotic action including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and profibrinolytic activities [2]. The purposes of this paper are to review current knowledge on the beneficial effects of HDLcholesterol as it relates to (i) cardiovascular diseases, (ii) breast and lung cancers as well as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and (iii) Alzehemier’s disease and dementia
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 call
