Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase: role in lipoprotein metabolism, reverse cholesterol transport and atherosclerosis

In the past several years significant advances have been made in our unders tanding of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) function. LCAT benef icially alters the plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein B-containing lip oproteins, as well as HDL. In addition, its proposed role in facilitating r everse cholesterol transport and modulating atherosclerosis has been demons trated in vivo. Analysis of LCAT transgenic animals has established the imp ortance of evaluating HDL function, as well as HDL plasma levels, to predic t atherogenic risk. Curr Opin Lipidol 11:267-275. (C) 1000 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins.