HDL as a prognostic biomarker for coronary atherosclerosis: the role of inflammation

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that the role of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the atherosclerotic process is not as clear as previously thought, since atheroprotective HDL becomes atherogenic in states of increased inflammatory processes.

Areas covered: In this review we aim to elucidate the role of HDL as a prognostic biomarker and we discuss therapeutic approaches that aim to increase HDL and their possible clinical benefit.

Expert opinion: Given the structural variability and biological complexity of the HDL particle, its role in the atherosclerotic process is far from clear. According to current evidence, the atheroprotective role of HDL turns atherogenic in states of increased inflammatory processes, while even minor alterations in systemic inflammation are likely to hinder the endothelial protective effects of HDL. In accordance, significant data have revealed that HDL-related drugs may be effective in reducing cardiovascular mortality; however they are not as encouraging or unanimous as expected. Possible future goals could be to quantify either HDL subclasses or functions in an attempt to reach safer conclusions as to the prognostic importance of HDL in coronary atherosclerosis. Having achieved that, a more targeted therapy that would aim to raise either HDL functionality or to remodel HDL structure would be more easily designed.

KEYWORDS:

• High density lipoprotein
• atherosclerosis
• inflammation
• treatment

Article highlights.

• It is now widely accepted that the atherogenic process includes two equally important elements: the inflammatory and the oxidative.

• HDL, even in the presence of high LDL, has proved to be a potent antiatherogenic factor.

• While the observed atheroprotective role of HDL is usually attributed to the adverse cholesterol transport, in that HDL unloads the lipid burden from the coronary arteries and transfers cholesterol back to liver, other mechanisms could also be involved and are under ongoing investigation.

• Given the structural variability and biological complexity of the HDL particle, its role in the atherosclerotic process is far from being clear. According to current evidence, the atheroprotective role of HDL turns into atherogenic in states of increased inflammatory process.

• Significant data have revealed that HDL-related drugs may be effective in reducing cardiovascular mortality; however, they are not as encouraging or unanimous as expected.

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Financial and competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

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