High‐density lipoprotein in diabetes: Structural and functional relevance

Abstract

Low levels of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) is considered a major cardiovascular risk factor. However, recent studies have suggested a more U‐shaped association between HDL‐C and cardiovascular disease. It has been shown that the cardioprotective effect of HDL is related to the functions of HDL particles rather than their cholesterol content. HDL particles are highly heterogeneous and have multiple functions relevant to cardiometabolic conditions including cholesterol efflux capacity, anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and vasoactive properties. There are quantitative and qualitative changes in HDL as well as functional abnormalities in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Non‐enzymatic glycation, carbamylation, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation can modify the HDL composition and therefore the functions, especially in situations of poor glycemic control. Studies of HDL proteomics and lipidomics have provided further insights into the structure–function relationship of HDL in diabetes. Interestingly, HDL also has a pleiotropic anti‐diabetic effect, improving glycemic control through improvement in insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function. Given the important role of HDL in cardiometabolic health, HDL‐based therapeutics are being developed to enhance HDL functions rather than to increase HDL‐C levels. Among these, recombinant HDL and small synthetic apolipoprotein A‐I mimetic peptides may hold promise for preventing and treating diabetes and cardiovascular disease.