Communication: High-Density Lipoprotein-Specific fi c Phospholipid Efflux ffl ux in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Objective. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although the role of LDL-C in FH has been studied, the contribution of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to CVD in FH remains unknown. This study aimed at highlighting the role of HDL in FH. Methods. HDL-specific phospholipid efflux (HDL-SPE) assay was developed to predict CVD risk. HDL-SPE was examined in FH patients (n=30) and compared with age- and sex-matched non-FH controls (n=60). Results. FH patients had significantly lower HDL-SPE levels (0.90 +/- 0.12) than controls (1.12 +/- 0.10; p<0.05), despite similar HDL-cholesterol levels in after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions. These findings suggest there may be dysfunctionality of HDL in FH.