HDL

February 7, 2023

A new view of a cholesterol carrier

Vanderbilt researchers developed a novel method to measure small RNAs carried by HDL and demonstrated that these molecules circulate in greater concentrations than previously believed and are likely to contribute to communication between immune cells.

By Kelsey Pinckard 
The study could suggest ways to promote the transport of phospholipids and cholesterol out of macrophages, immune system cells that play key roles in all stages of atherosclerosis development.
September 15, 2022

Study suggests new mechanism for lipid transporter

A new model suggests that a protein involved in the generation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) works differently than previously thought.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 19, 2021

Potential protection from atherosclerosis

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a potential way to reduce atherosclerosis: blocking the modification of an HDL-associated enzyme by reactive molecules called isolevuglandins.

By Bill Snyder
Cholesterol
January 21, 2021

NIH grant bolsters research on heart disease, cholesterol

Thanks to major funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have made major inroads in understanding how high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as good cholesterol, in some cases may actually contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

By Bill Snyder
January 27, 2020

A new contributor to atherosclerosis

Sean Davies and colleagues are exploring lipid aldehydes produced during oxidative stress and their contribution to HDL dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

By Leigh MacMillan
January 23, 2020

HDL-cholesterol and breast cancer risk

Genetic analyses suggest that high circulating HDL-cholesterol levels may increase breast cancer risk — a surprising finding since increased HDL-cholesterol is thought to be healthy.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 8, 2018

Obesity negates beneficial drug effects

A drug that improves levels of “good” cholesterol may not be beneficial for obese individuals, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.
By VUMC News and Communications
June 29, 2018

Scavengers “protect” HDL

Jun. 29, 2018—Lipid molecules that bind to HDL can modify its function — and blocking that modification can protect HDL and potentially lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
By Bill Snyder
May 3, 2018

Understanding HDL structure

Structural features of newly formed HDL particles will help guide understanding of “good cholesterol” and its function.
By Leigh MacMillan
January 17, 2018

HDL and kidney injury after surgery

Higher concentrations of high-density lipoproteins — HDL, the “good” cholesterol — may be protective against acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.
By Jenelle Grewell
February 11, 2015

Kidney disease impacts HDL function

Chronic kidney disease impairs the protective functions of HDL, Vanderbilt researchers report this month.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 21, 2014

Major grant spurs deeper look into ‘good cholesterol’

In some cases, HDL, the "good cholesterol," may not function properly and may actually accelerate atherosclerosis.
By Bill Snyder
January 21, 2013

HDL cholesterol impaired in kidney disease

HDL cholesterol is impaired in patients with chronic kidney disease – and may increase their cardiovascular disease risk.
By Leigh MacMillan
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