#22 – Tom Dayspring Part III of V: reverse cholesterol transport, CETP inhibitors, & apolipoproteins
Topics covered
Popular Clips
Episode Highlights
HDL Complexity
The biological roles of HDL are more complex than often perceived. explains that HDL particles can become dysfunctional when they carry excessive cholesterol and lack essential proteins like APOE, which are crucial for cholesterol clearance 1. This dysfunction can lead to elevated HDL cholesterol levels without the expected protective cardiovascular effects. shares a case study of a woman with high HDL cholesterol but accelerated atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of understanding HDL functionality beyond mere cholesterol levels 1.
This is a rare genetic thing where this cholesterol trafficking pattern is disrupted in certain ways.
---
Dayspring further discusses how proteins that should bind to HDL may fail to do so, leading to ineffective lipid transport and increased cardiovascular risk 2.
Dynamic HDL
Recent research on HDL reveals surprising insights into its dynamic nature. and discuss how HDL particles are not static but engage in continuous lipid exchange with other lipoproteins, a process metaphorically described as particles "having sex" 3. This exchange is crucial for HDL's role in cholesterol transport and clearance. Attia also highlights the complexity of HDL through a discussion on red blood cell cholesterol in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients, suggesting that changes in membrane cholesterol could impact cell functionality 4.
Every second of every minute of every day, your particles are having sex with one another.
---
These findings underscore the need for a deeper understanding of HDL beyond traditional metrics, as its biological roles are intricately linked to its interactions with other particles 3.