<scp>HDL</scp>and endothelial protection

<jats:p>High‐density lipoproteins (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">HDLs</jats:styled-content>) represent a family of particles characterized by the presence of apolipoprotein<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">A</jats:styled-content>‐<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">I</jats:styled-content>(apo<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">A</jats:styled-content>‐<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">I</jats:styled-content>) and by their ability to transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver. In addition to this function,<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">HDLs</jats:styled-content>display pleiotropic effects including antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐thrombotic or anti‐proteolytic properties that account for their protective action on endothelial cells. Vasodilatation via production of nitric oxide is also a hallmark of<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">HDL</jats:styled-content>action on endothelial cells. Endothelial cells express receptors for apo<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">A</jats:styled-content>‐<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">I</jats:styled-content>and<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">HDLs</jats:styled-content>that mediate intracellular signalling and potentially participate in the internalization of these particles. In this review, we will detail the different effects of<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">HDLs</jats:styled-content>on the endothelium in normal and pathological conditions with a particular focus on the potential use of<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">HDL</jats:styled-content>therapy to restore endothelial function and integrity.</jats:p>