Mechanistic Insights into the Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Atherosclerosis

Figure 9

Schematic representation of HDL countering major atherosclerotic stages. HDL counters significant stages of atherosclerosis. First, HDL retards the oxidation process of LDL and helps in the efflux of cholesterol form macrophages, preventing it from becoming foam cells. Cytokines and growth factors released by T lymphocytes and foam cells induce SMC migration and proliferation that is again countered by HDL. Additionally, platelet migration and aggregation is prevented to the site of plaque. Hence, high HDL is antiatherosclerotic and comes into play as soon as the LDL penetrates the dysfunctional endothelium.