[Recent advances in the research on HDL subfraction].

ABSTRACT

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the smallest lipoprotein, with a density range of 1.063-1.210. HDL plays a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) is inversely correlated with the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). HDL is composed of heterogeneous particles with different compositions and functions. For more precise prediction of CHD, researchers measure HDL subfractions which are separated by various methods based on their physicochemical properties. In this article, we briefly review the methods for measuring HDL subfractions and their clinical significance. We also address future perspectives in HDL subfraction measurements in the "Era of HDL therapy."