Antiatherogenic small, dense HDL—guardian angel of the arterial wall?

Small, dense HDL possesses potent antioxidative activity but this is compromised under conditions of atherogenic dyslipidemia. The raising of HDL cholesterol levels might, however, improve functionality. In this review, Kontush and Chapman explore the mechanisms behind the antiatherogenic effects of small HDL, and the possible roles of these particles as therapeutic targets.