Sweet swell of burning fat: Emerging role of high-density lipoprotein in energy homeostasis

Abstract

Purpose of review Metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), plays a central role in energy homeostasis. Mechanisms underlying the relationship between energy homeostasis and HDL however remain poorly studied. Recent findings Available evidence reveals that HDL is implicated in energy homeostasis. Circulating high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are affected by energy production, raising with increasing resting metabolic rate. Lipolysis of triglycerides as a source of energy decreases plasma levels of remnant cholesterol, increases levels of HDL-C, and can be cardioprotective. Switch to preferential energy production from carbohydrates exerts opposite effects. Summary Low HDL-C may represent a biomarker of inefficient energy production from fats. HDL-C-raising can be beneficial when it reflects enhanced energy production from burning fat.