Physiologic role and clinical significance of reverse cholesterol transport

J. M. Bleicher, A. G. Lacko

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Low levels of high-density lipoproteins have been consistently shown to be a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. However, the precise role of HDL in the prevention or reversal of atherosclerosis (or both) is unknown. It has been proposed that HDL functions jointly with the enzyme lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase and the cholesteryl ester transfer protein to facilitate the movement of cholesterol from tissues to the liver. This mechanism-referred to as reverse cholesterol transport-has been shown to be an important physiologic mechanism. However, its clinical significance, though intriguing, is unclear. This article reviews recent advances concerning the components of reverse cholesterol transport and evaluates their potential significance in the early diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)625-632
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American Osteopathic Association
Volume92
Issue number5
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1992

Keywords

  • LCAT
  • Reverse cholesterol transport
  • cholesterol efflux
  • cholesterol ester transfer
  • cholesterol esterification
  • high-density lipoproteins

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