The Role of Phospholipid Transfer Protein in the Development of Atherosclerosis

Purpose of Review Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), a member of lipid transfer protein family, is an important protein involved in lipid metabolism in the circulation. This article reviews recent PLTP research progresses, involving lipoprotein metabolism and atherogenesis. Recent Findings PLTP activity influences atherogenic and anti-atherogenic lipoprotein levels. Human serum PLTP activity is a risk factor for human cardiovascular disease and is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality. PLTP deficiency reduces VLDL and LDL levels and attenuates atherosclerosis in mouse models, while PLTP overexpression exerts an opposite effect. Both PLTP deficiency and overexpression result in reduction of HDL which has different size, inflammatory index, and lipid composition. Moreover, although both PLTP deficiency and overexpression reduce cholesterol efflux capacity, but this effect has no impact in macrophage reverse cholesterol transport in mice. Furthermore, PLTP activity is related with metabolic syndrome, thrombosis, and inflammation. PLTP could be target for the treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, although some potential off-target effects should be noted.

Automated summary

PLTP activity plays a crucial role in influencing atherogenic and anti-atherogenic lipoprotein levels, with both deficiency and overexpression of PLTP having significant impacts on lipoprotein metabolism and atherogenesis. Despite reducing cholesterol efflux capacity, PLTP activity does not seem to affect macrophage reverse cholesterol transport in mice. Furthermore, PLTP activity is associated with metabolic syndrome, thrombosis, and inflammation, making it a potential target for the treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.