Cholesterol efflux capacity: an introduction for clinicians

• Published in: The American heart journal Vol. 180; pp. 54 - 63
• Main Authors: Anastasius, Malcolm, MBBS, MMed, FRACP, Kockx, Maaike, PhD, Jessup, Wendy, PhD, Sullivan, David, MBBS, FRACP, Rye, Kerry-Anne, PhD, Kritharides, Leonard, MBBS, FRACP, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.10.2016; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Apolipoproteins; Autoimmune Diseases - metabolism; Biological Transport; Cardiovascular; Cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular Diseases - blood; Cardiovascular Diseases - metabolism; Cells, Cultured; Cholesterol - blood; Cholesterol, HDL - metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus - metabolism; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Low density lipoprotein; Studies
• ISSN: 0002-8703; 1097-6744
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2016.07.005

Abstract Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse correlation between HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, the hypothesis of a causal relationship between HDL-C and cardiovascular disease has been challenged by genetic and clinical studies. Serum cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is an important measure of HDL function in humans. Recent large clinical studies have shown a correlation between in vitro CEC and cardiovascular disease prevalence and incidence, which appears to be independent of HDL-C concentration. The present review summarizes recent large clinical studies and introduces important methodological considerations. Further studies are required to standardize and establish the reproducibility of this measure of HDL function and clarify whether modulating CEC will emerge as a useful therapeutic target.