High-Density Lipoproteins - Anatol Kontush

This book is divided into three sections that cover normal functional HDL, functionally defective HDL, and the therapeutic normalisation of subnormal levels and defective biological activities of HDL. It summarizes the current state of knowledge in a rapidly growing domain at the interface between lipidology and cardiovascular therapies and treatments. The book emphasizes functional properties of HDL and discusses compositional and metabolic heterogeneity of HDL particles, with specific focus on the recently discovered potent atheroprotective properties of small, dense HDL. Current and future HDL-raising therapies (reconstituted HDL, apolipoprotein-mimetic peptides, CETP inhibitors, nicotinic acid, fibrates, delipidated HDL, etc.) are critically compared in terms of their mechanisms of action and potential impact on cardiovascular health. The book concludes with a critical assessment of the potential value of functional HDL as a therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of premature cardiovascular disease.