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High-Density Lipoprotein and Atherosclerosis: The Role of Antioxidant Activity

  • Coronary Heart Disease (J Farmer, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are generally inversely associated with the risk for the development of atherosclerosis. The mechanism by which HDL imparts protection from the initiation and progression of occlusive vascular disease is complex and multifactorial. The major anti-atherosclerotic effect of HDL is felt to be reverse cholesterol transport. HDL has been demonstrated to scavenge cholesterol from the peripheral vasculature with transport to the liver, where is it excreted in the biliary system. However, HDL exhibits multiple other physiologic effects that may play a role in the reduced risk for atherosclerosis. HDL has been demonstrated to exhibit beneficial effects on platelet function, endothelial function, coagulation parameters, inflammation, and interactions with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Increasing amounts of clinical and experimental data have shown that HDL cholesterol has significant antioxidant effect that may significantly contribute to protection from atherosclerosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 6620 Main Suite 1225, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Salman Bandeali & John Farmer

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  1. Salman Bandeali
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  2. John Farmer
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Correspondence to John Farmer.

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Bandeali, S., Farmer, J. High-Density Lipoprotein and Atherosclerosis: The Role of Antioxidant Activity. Curr Atheroscler Rep 14, 101–107 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-012-0235-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-012-0235-2

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