Role of HDL-C in health and disease.

ABSTRACT

Reverse cholesterol transport by high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has been traditionally considered to be the most important mechanism by which HDL-C protects against atherosclerosis. Recently HDL-C has been shown to have cardioprotective effects at many levels which include prevention of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) oxidation, vascular wall inflammation and thrombosis. Apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) is major constituent of HDL and is synthesised in the liver and intestine. ApoA-1 is lipidated by ATP binding cassette transporter (ABC A-1) which is rate limiting step in HDL biogenesis. Once in the plasma, the nascent HDL undergoes intensive remodelling. The HDL-C has important biological effects on endothelial cells, monocytes, Tlymphocytes, and platelets. Currently, the HDL is being tested as a therapeutic agent with beneficial role being shown in coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus. The reconstituted HDL (rHDL) is being tried also in neural damage.