Clinical and epidemiologic studies have consistently shown that low levels of high-density lipo-protein (HDL) cholesterol are strongly associated with an increase in the risk of coronary artery disease. Moreover, hypercholesterolemic mice with genetic defects in HDL metabolism are markedly atherosclerotic, providing compelling evidence that HDL is a key modulator of the disease in animal models. These observations, together with the large residual disease risk among patients with coronary disease who are treated with statins, haye triggered intense interest in therapies that raise levels of HDL cholesterol.
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