High-density lipoproteins (HDL) | Laboratory research

General Information

HDL – high-density lipoprotein (so-called "good cholesterol"), Synthesized when it enters the liver and bloodstream, it is mainly composed of apoprotein (a protein on the surface of lipoprotein that regulates lipoprotein metabolism). The main function of HDL is to bind and transport excess cholesterol from extrahepatic (outer liver) tissues to the liver for further excretion into the bile. Along with LDL, HDL is involved in maintaining cellular cholesterol levels. Because of its ability to bind and remove cholesterol, HDL is called an anti-atherogenic factor because it prevents the development of atherosclerosis, hence patients with high levels of HDL have a lower risk of developing atherosclerosis.