Novel therapies to increase apolipoprotein AI and HDL for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) is the major protein component of HDL, and thus has an important role in the treatment of atherosclerosis. This review summarizes the various approaches being examined for raising levels of apoAI/HDL, including increasing the synthesis of apoAI and altering the metabolism of HDL. In addition, the currently available drugs used to increase apoAI/HDL are discussed, with a focus on the potential sites of action of these drugs on HDL metabolism. The outcome of further investigational studies into this field should provide effective therapies to increase apoAI/HDL levels and thus be of use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.