Comparing Measures of HDL: On the Right Path with the Wrong Map

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol is often referred to as the “good” cholesterol due to its involvement in transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver during reverse cholesterol transport.  However, some studies have demonstrated that the size and composition of HTL particles may influence the mechanism and capacity for this cholesterol efflux and other possible protective activities.  So, some researchers believe that measurement of HTL particles, size, and composition may provide an indication of HTL protective activity. The March 2018 issue of Clinical Chemistry published a report comparing five different procedures for HDL particle measurement.  In the same issue an editorial by Dr. Jeffrey Meeusen appeared titled “Comparing Measures of HDL: On the Right Path with the Wrong Map.”