Dysfunctional HDL as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target

• Published in: Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 151 - 155
• Main Author: Smith, Jonathan D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Heart Association, Inc 01.02.2010
• Subjects: Animals; Apolipoprotein A-I - metabolism; Atherosclerosis - diagnosis; Atherosclerosis - drug therapy; Atherosclerosis - metabolism; Biomarkers - metabolism; Cholesterol - metabolism; Humans; Hypolipidemic Agents - therapeutic use; Inflammation - diagnosis; Inflammation - drug therapy; Inflammation - metabolism; Lipoproteins, HDL - metabolism; Peroxidase - metabolism; Predictive Value of Tests; Protein Conformation; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Structure-Activity Relationship
• ISSN: 1079-5642; 1524-4636; 1524-4636
• DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.108.179226

The atheroprotective effects of HDL are mediated by several mechanisms, including its role in reverse cholesterol transport and via its antiinflammatory properties. However, not all HDL is functionally similar. HDL and apolipoprotein A-I may become dysfunctional or even proinflammatory and thus promote atherosclerosis. ApoAI posttranslational modification can have a large impact on its function. Myeloperoxidase modification of apoAI impairs its function as a cholesterol acceptor, and the molecular changes induced by myeloperoxidase have been studied in detail. These studies provide the basis for the development of an oxidant-resistant form of apoAI and clinical measures of HDL modification and dysfunction, which may be useful as a treatment criterion.