HDL-free cholesterol and its role in atherosclerosis
Author Information
Author(s): Yelamanchili Dedipya, Gillard Baiba K., Gotto Antonio M. Jr., Achirica Miguel Caínzos, Nasir Khurram, Remaley Alan T., Rosales Corina, Pownall Henry J.
Primary Institution: Houston Methodist
Hypothesis
HDL-FC is a metric of dysfunctional HDL, and when combined with HDL particle number (HDL-P), is an ASCVD risk factor.
Conclusion
The study shows that high HDL-FC content is a marker for dysfunctional HDL, leading to greater influx into macrophages and transfer to LDL.
Supporting Evidence
- Plasma HDL-FC content varies 2-fold among normolipidemic human subjects.
- The influx of HDL-FC into macrophages and transfer to LDL increase linearly with HDL-FC.
- HDL-FC transfer to LDL is a valid surrogate for influx into macrophages.
Takeaway
This study looks at how cholesterol from HDL can enter certain cells and be transferred to LDL, which might be linked to heart disease.
Methodology
The study involved isolating HDL and LDL from plasma of normolipidemic subjects and measuring HDL-FC transfer to macrophages and LDL.
Limitations
The study did not measure FC efflux, and results may differ with human macrophages compared to the mouse cell line used.
Participant Demographics
Participants were normolipidemic human subjects.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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