High-density lipoprotein metabolism, reverse cholesterol transport and membrane protection

The metabolism of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) plays a major role in reverse cholesterol transport and cell membrane protection. Recent studies support the idea that for the protective role of HDL in coronary heart disease we should not only consider plasma HDL cholesterol levels, but also pay more attention to the function of specific HDL subclasses and their components. Immunoregulatory aspects of membrane protection and other functions related to proteolytic processing and detoxification seem to be particularly important for further studies.