Colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad: de factor de riesgo a diana terapéutica

The protective role of HDL-cholesterol against atherosclerosis has been established in epidemiological and experimental studies. In spite of this, there are a few of clinical trials that have unequivocally demonstrated that raising HDL-cholesterol reduces the cardiovascular risk. In the present article we review the putative protective mechanisms associated with HDL particles, the evidence linking HDL-cholesterol increase with a reduction in cardiovascular risk as well as the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies for increasing HDL-cholesterol. Finally, we comment on experimental drugs currently under development, that elevate HDL-cholesterol.