Summary
Objective. To review the mechanisms underlying the antioxidant functions of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and to assess their significance in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases based on the latest scientific literature.
Methods. A search of scientific publications was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. The search utilised the following keywords and phrases: high-density lipoproteins, antioxidant function, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease. The review included scientific and clinical studies, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in English, that examined the functions of antioxidant enzymes present in HDL particles and their relationship with oxidative stress in the context of cardiovascular diseases.
Results. The literature analysis revealed that the antioxidant function of HDL primarily depends on the activity of the antioxidant enzymes contained within these particles. The main antioxidant enzymes associated with the antioxidant function of HDL are paraoxonase- 1 (PON1), lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSPx or GPx). A decrease in the concentration or activity of these enzymes is linked to increased oxidative stress and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions. The antioxidant function of HDL represents one of the potential atheroprotective mechanisms of these particles. Dysfunctional HDL particles are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to a reduction in the quantity and activity of antioxidant enzymes within HDL particles. Future clinical studies should consider the antioxidant activity of HDL particles and explore its potential application in improving algorithms for assessing both early and advanced cardiovascular risk.
