Title: Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein: Pharmacological Inhibition for the Modulation of Plasma Cholesterol Levels and Promising Target for the Prevention of Atherosclerosis.
Volume: 5
Issue: 3
Author(s): Roger B. Ruggeri
Affiliation:
Keywords:
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ldl-c), coronary heart disease (chd), reverse cholesterol transport(rct), inflammatory processes, vascular endothelial cells, glycopeptide, phospholipids
Abstract: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) facilitates the exchange of neutral lipids (such as cholesteryl esters and triglycerides) between anti-atherogenic HDL particles and pro-atherogenic VLDL and LDL particles in human plasma. Individuals possessing a genetic deficiency for CETP have higher HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol and may have a reduced risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Small molecule inhibitors of CETP are being developed that would appear to provide a beneficial change in lipoprotein profile. However, randomized clinical trials are ultimately required to determine whether CETP inhibition will afford a reduction in cardiovascular events.