Lipoproteins in Atherosclerosis Process

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidaemias is a recognized risk factor for atherosclerosis, however, new evidence brought to light by trials investigating therapies to enhance HDLcholesterol have suggested an increased atherosclerotic risk when HDL-C is high. RESULTS: Several studies highlight the central role in atherosclerotic disease of dysfunctional lipoproteins; oxidised LDL-cholesterol is an important feature, according to "oxidation hypothesis", of atherosclerotic lesion, however, there is today a growing interest for dysfunctional HDL-cholesterol. The target of our paper is to review the functions of modified and dysfunctional lipoproteins in atherogenesis. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the central role recognized to dysfunctional lipoproteins, measurements of functional features of lipoproteins, instead of conventional routine serum evaluation of lipoproteins, could offer a valid contribution in experimental studies as in clinical practice to stratify atherosclerotic risk.