Functionality of HDL particles: Heterogeneity and relationships to cardiovascular disease

High-density lipoproteins and COVID-19: preparing the next pandemic

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are heterogeneous particles with pleiotropic functions including anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious effects. In clinical studies, lower HDL-associated cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration has been associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, severity, and mortality. A reduction in the number of HDL particles, particularly small ones has been observed with alterations in their protein and lipid composition impairing their functions. These observations have supported HDL supplementation with promising results in small preliminary studies. This review summarizes available evidence to better understand the two-way interaction between HDLs and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and guide future HDL-based therapies for preparing for the next pandemic.

High-density lipoprotein lipid peroxidation as a diagnostics biomarker in coronary artery disease

This study aimed at evaluating the serum High-density lipoprotein lipid peroxidation (HDLox) levels and their association with coronary artery disease (CAD). This case-control study comprised 572 patients with stable CAD and 281 healthy subjects with no history of cardiovascular disease (control group). Based on the results of coronary angiography, the patient group was divided into two groups: CAD- and CAD+. HDLox was measured using a fluorimetric method. The ability of HDLox and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) to detect CAD and coronary artery stenosis ≥50% was also compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The CAD patients showed significantly higher serum HDLox levels, compared to the control group [1.15 (1.01-1.31) vs. 0.85 (0.62-1.06), no units, p < 0.001]. Moreover, serum HDLox levels were significantly lower in CAD- patients, compared to the CAD+ patients [1.05 (0.92-1.22) vs. 1.24 (1.12-1.35), no units, p < 0.001]. According to the results of univariate and multivariate logistic regression, the HDLox showed association with the presence of CAD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.754; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.564-1.968; p < 0.001) and coronary artery stenosis ≥50% (OR: 1.729; 95% CI: 1.534-1.949; p < 0.001). The results obtained from the area under the ROC curve revealed that the HDLox could better detect the risk of CAD and coronary artery stenosis ≥50% compared to serum HDL-C level. The oxidation of HDL leads to a reduction in its antioxidant function and it has a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis. HDLox is suggested as a diagnostics biomarker for CAD.