HDL HETEROGENEITY AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), the most abundant human plasma lipopro tein, plays a major role in reverse cholesterol transport, which recyc les cholesterol from peripheral cells to the liver. HDL constitutes a heterogeneous group of particles differing in density, size, electroph oretic mobility, and apolipoprotein content. HDL can therefore be frac tionated into discrete subclasses by different techniques according to their physicochemical properties. The clinical significance of HDL di ffers with the subclasses, especially with respect to coronary heart d isease, alcohol intake, longevity, dyslipoproteinemia, dietary fat con tent, and hypolipidemic drugs. Because of their structural and functio nal diversity, HDL subclasses generate considerable hope that they may help to improve the identification of individuals at an increased ris k of developing coronary heart disease.