Genes influencing HDL metabolism: new perspectives and implications for atherosclerosis prevention

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in Western societies. Current therapies, such as re duction of plasma cholesterol, significantly reduce, but do not come close to eliminating, the complications of ASCVD. Therefore, novel therapeutic ap proaches to the prevention of acute coronary events and progression of athe rosclerosis are still needed. The complex metabolism of high density lipopr oteins represents an attractive potential target for therapeutic interventi on. Here, we will discuss those components of the high density lipoprotein metabolism and lipid transport pathways that are potential preventative or therapeutic targets for ASCVD.