Lipids and Lipoproteins in Health and Disease: Focus on Targeting Atherosclerosis

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue defines lipids in their broadest sense, to include different classes and types of lipids and lipid-containing particles, the metabolism of lipids in cells and tissues, lipid transport, etc. Review and research articles that summarize and investigate the role of lipids in various physiological processes, pathology and disease are very welcome. In particular, the Special Issue aims to translate the results of basis research into the management of various diseases.

In particular, the Special Issue focuses on atherosclerosis. Extra- and intracellular deposition of lipids, predominantly of cholesteryl esters, in arterial intima is one of the earliest manifestations of atherosclerosis. The formation of lipid laden foam cells is recognized as a trigger in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) circulating in human blood is the source of lipids accumulated in arterial cells. However, native LDL is unable to induce lipid accumulation in cells. For accumulation to occur, LDL particles must undergo chemical modification. Among pro-atherogenic modified LDLs detected in blood, such forms as oxidized, small dense, desialylated, and electronegative have been described. Multiple modified LDL was found in the blood of atherosclerotic patients. This LDL has atherogenic properties, that is, it can cause the accumulation of lipids in arterial cells. Further studies of the role of modified LDL should reveal a fundamental modification of LDL that makes it atherogenic.

Large-scale epidemiological studies firmly established the association between low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. This relationship is thought to reflect the key biological function of HDL, which involves reserving cholesterol transport from the arterial wall to the liver for further excretion from the body. Factors that impair the activities of HDL strongly influence atherogenesis. HDL also inhibits lipid oxidation, restores endothelial function, exerts anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic actions, and exerts anti-inflammatory actions in animal models. Such properties could contribute considerably to the capacity of HDL to inhibit atherosclerosis. Systemic and vascular inflammation has been proposed to convert HDL to a dysfunctional form that has impaired antiatherogenic effects. A loss of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative proteins, perhaps in combination with a gain of proinflammatory proteins, might be another important component in rendering HDL dysfunctional.

Establishing the relationship between modified LDL, dysfunctional HDL and inflammation is extremely important for elucidating the mechanisms of atherogenesis, since both lipidosis and local chronic inflammation are closely associated with atherosclerotic lesion, starting from the earliest manifestations and accompanying it at all stages of development.

The purpose of the thematic issue is to collect current knowledge on the role of lipid-related causes of various pathologies. Understanding the causes and characteristics of lipid disorders leading to disease should lead to the emergence of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.

Prof. Dr. Alexander N. Orekhov
Prof. Igor A. Sobenin
Guest Editors

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