Treatment of cardiovascular disease: contribution of non-HDL-C/LDL-C-lowering versus HDL-C-raising

What is it about?

This review provides evidence that lowering of LDL-cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) is more protective against myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis than raising HDL-cholesterol (the so-called good cholesterol).

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This systematic review investigates the effects of established and novel treatment strategies, specifically targeting HDL, on inhibition of atherosclerosis in cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)-expressing animals, since CETP is a crucial gene involved in HDL metabolism and implicated in the mechanisms by which most therapies modulate HDL. In addition, we have conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of these treatments on the prevention of clinical events in randomized controlled trials, focusing specifically on the contribution of non-HDL-C/LDL-C lowering versus HDL-C raising. We conclude that the protective role of lowering LDL-C/Non-HDL-C is well-established, but that the contribution of raising HDL-C remains undefined. Whereas the effect of treatment in preclinical models is generally stronger as compared to clinical studies, the preclinical data are consistent with the clinical outcome data, emphasizing the use of translational animal models.